Possible Scenarios for LPGA Player of the Year Showdown Between Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko

If one thinks about the LPGA this year, two names stand out – Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko. The two players have had exceptional seasons, playing their best golf yet. Having said that, neither of the two are available for the Vare Trophy. What they are eligible for, however, is the Player of the Year honor.

Both players have been doing their absolute best, each having their own plus points. Their stats are almost similar, with Ko getting better in the second half.

Korda has recently bagged the Pelican Women’s Championship a few days ago, making it her fourth win. Ko’s last win was the BMW Ladies Championship, which she won back home in South Korea.

The race for @ROLEX Player of the Year has come down to the final round of the season!

Who do you think will take home the honor? pic.twitter.com/HzkR3O6eWD

— LPGA (@LPGA) November 21, 2021

Nelly Korda vs Jin Young Ko: who is winning the POY award?

With the season they have had, both Jin Young Ko and Nelly Korda are the only two contenders for the Player of the Year award. The younger is at 191 points, while Ko is at 181. That being said, a few situations could favor one, or make both of them a winner.

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According to a few projections by the LPGA themselves, there are few situations that might favor either of the two, or both of them.

For Korda to win, she has to finish eighth or better, and Ko can’t win. Another scenario will be Ko finishing third or worse. If Ko has to win the award outright, she wins first place or finishes second while Korda finishes 10th or worse.

Sep 3, 2021; Toledo, Ohio, USA; Nelly Korda of Team USA tees off on the second hole during the final practice round of the 2021 Solheim Cup at Inverness Club. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

There is also a way both players can win. This can happen when Ko finishes second, while Korda ends up in ninth place.

These are situations for them to win the award ‘outright.’

Jin Young Ko on the POY award

This weekend, Ko was asked about the Player of the Year award, whether she was thinking about it. “It’s tough to say,” she said. “I have to win because she’s playing really well right now”. 

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While the 26-year-old might not be thinking about the award all the time, she is aware she needs to win the event in order to win the POY award.

Who do you think will win the award? Does Korda have a better chance of winning?

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