The stage was set for an exciting final round at Carnoustie as we entered the day with eight players separated by just two shots at the top of the leaderboard. Some of the sport's biggest names were in the mix to claim the 2024 AIG Women's Open title.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda surged into the lead early after birdie five holes in six to move to eight-under par. But disaster struck on the par-five 14th, where she shockingly carded a double bogey to drop back to six-under.
That opened the door for others, including Olympic champion Lydia Ko who had hung around just a couple off the pace. When Korda faltered, we suddenly had a four-way tie for the lead involving Ko, Korda, Jiyai Shin and Lilia Vu over the brutal closing stretch.
The moment that sealed the deal 👊 pic.twitter.com/VwdLJWUjqb
— LPGA (@LPGA) August 25, 2024
The pressure seemed oozing from every pore as those final pairings ducked into the windswept Scottish back nine. Ko methodically scratched out pars while the others felt the nerves. Down the stretch, it became clear this special champion's metal belonged to Lydia Ko, who proved up to the task once more on a major Sunday.
What an treat it was to witness the drama unfold at historic Carnoustie. Ko is a champion anew, and deserves immense praise for her gritty performance under immense pressure. The best truly rose to the top when it mattered most.
Lydia Ko, fresh off her Olympic triumph and now eligible for the Hall of Fame, stood tall against veteran Shin, dominant Vu and red-hot Korda - seeking a third major of her own. Rain and wind made putting perilous for all.
Shin's bid took a hit at 15, where a lengthy birdie try led to a deflating three-putt. That left Ko, Korda and Vu locked at six-under with chances.
Korda seemed poised at 17 after clawing superbly from the dreaded Road Hole bunker. But a slightly missed par try at 18, coupled with Ko's clutch final birdie, handed the Kiwi a one-shot lead with a hole to play.
Every ounce of Korda's will was needed on the 72nd, with Ko watching from the clubhouse. But the world #1 left her attempt short, signing her own fate. All eyes turned to Vu - could she pull off a closing flourish?
A brilliant effort in defence of her title.
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 25, 2024
Lilia Vu falls just short and will take tied second place. @toyotires_uk | #RoundIn60Seconds pic.twitter.com/JwnSTmgBxF
A signature victory was rewarded to the steadfast Ko, who proved once more she belongs among the elite in the women's game. Utter drama from start to finish - a final round few will soon forget.
As Korda's bid ended with a hole-out attempt passing just left of the cup, attention turned to the final pair still with a chance to catch Ko.
Shin's realistic chances were flagged at 17's tricky green complex, where a bogey was carved to drop her four back of the pacesetter. With only Vu and the 72nd hole standing between Ko and victory, a hush fell across the coastal links.
Lilia Vu gave herself a look at eagle with an absolute bomb off the tee. But her mid-iron sit-down stopped just short, leaving 32 feet for one last dramatic twist. Pressure of the moment seemingly swelling with each step, Vu buried her long birdie try to six feet.
A collective breath was held by all watching as she stood over the closing putt, a Ko playoff in the balance. But it cruelly slid by just shy, confirming the Kiwi's title. Ko stood tearful by the green, overwhelmed by emotions in the Home of Golf where her legacy was further cemented.
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What a showdown it was.
The drama kept building as Vu uncorked a stunning drive on 18 that kicked within mere meters of the cup. From there it seemed certain another playoff hole awaited Ko. But a testy chip ran long, leaving Vu 15 feet to extend the championship.
She buried the long birdie attempt to six feet, where tension hung thick in the air. A collective intake of breath was held by the massive galleries lining the 18th, Ko’s victory in the balance. But it was not meant to be - Vu’s sliding effort left the lip, conceding the Kiwi’s hard-earned title.
It'll be hard to top the past couple of weeks for Lydia Ko 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/0oXqJWodD4
— AIG Women’s Open (@AIGWomensOpen) August 25, 2024
Watching from the side of the green, Ko fell to her knees before collapsing into a mixture of joyous tears and relieved laughter. This scene - on the very stage of her past major heartbreak in 2009 - was poignant to behold.
Moments later Ko celebrated proudly with family, their hugs saying more than any words could. At tournament’s end, Shin’s closing birdie was a bright moment, but the focus remained on Lydia Ko, who cemented her name alongside Ochoa and Lewis as Carnoustie queens.
It was a privilege to document such a stirring finish. Ko showed champion’s grit through rain and wind to rise victorious once more in the women’s game’s shining light - pure drama from the very final heartbeat.
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