Nelly Korda was victorious in a three-way play-off which included Caroline Masson. But her victory had a slightly awkward aspect
Nelly Korda has won professional events in Australia, Europe and Asia and now she has defended her Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA title.
Korda was in control for the most part and led heading into the final round but, by the time the players reached the green of the 72nd hole, it was Caroline Masson who had a putt for the win.
The putt was missed and Korda went on to get the better of the German and playing partner Minjee Lee on the first play-off hole.
There was a little more to it than that though.
Masson’s fiance Jason McDede would have undoubtedly been rooting for his partner to win the third title of her career but he was in fact also doing his part to prevent that from happening.
McDede is actually the caddie of Korda and has enjoyed plenty of success alongside the American but until this point, Korda had never gone directly head-to-head with Masson when vying for a title.
McDede hasn’t had his say on what the situation was really like for him but we’d bet that it was more than a little awkward when Korda’s win was confirmed.
His German fiancee did offer her thoughts post-round and was classy in defeat.
She said: “I’m quite happy to see them win. I’m proud of the two of them, the way they work together, and hopefully I get another chance to beat them down the stretch in the next few years.”
Korda was also asked about her caddie’s predicament and gave a frank and humorous assessment.
She said: “Jason is engaged to Caroline, but at the end of the day he’s on my team and I am the one signing his pay check.
“It was difficult for him but I wouldn’t be where I am without Jason, he made sure that he kept me in the game,”