The AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl has brought to an end one of the most powerful and long-lasting reigns in women’s golf in recent times. Nelly Korda has been dethroned. After 71 consecutive weeks as World Number One, the American golfer has relinquished the throne to Jeeno Thitikul. The Thai player returns to the top almost three years after having been in that position before. It was only for two weeks, from 31 October to 13 November 2022. We will see how long the crown lasts this time.
Korda needed to finish in the top 25 of the Open to maintain her privileged position. Finally, on a final day that was quite challenging due to the wind, especially in the early hours of play, the Florida golfer carded a 75 to finish in 36th place, tied with others including Lydia Ko. The numbers don’t add up for her to remain as Number One. Thitikul takes over, having finished in 30th place with a final round of 74. It’s one of those cases where more than the Asian golfer winning it, Korda lost it, and evidently not just because of what happened this week, but due to her inconsistent performance in recent months.
Be that as it may, Korda leaves behind a long and powerful reign. It began on 25 March last year and lasted until 4 August. It is the fifth longest in history since the women’s world ranking has existed. Only surpassed by Lorena Ochoa, who was number one for 158 consecutive weeks, Yani Tseng, who managed 109, Jin Young Ko, who reached 100, and Lydia Ko, who was number one for 85 consecutive weeks. In total, Nelly Korda has been World Number One for 108 weeks, also the fifth longest in history. She will have to wait for a new reign to surpass Yani Tseng, who reached 109. Ahead are Jin Young Ko (163), Lorena Ochoa (158), and Lydia Ko (125).
Another Number One that could fall in the coming weeks is Kiara Romero, at the top of the world amateur ranking following Lottie Woad‘s move to professionalism. Her great threat is Spanish and her name is Paula Martín Sampedro. The Spaniard, with her brilliant performance in the AIG Women’s Open, has put the top spot within reach. We will know on Wednesday, the day of the week when the world amateur ranking is traditionally updated. If she achieves it, the Madrid native would be the second Spanish player of all time after Julia López, who was World Number One for just one week, although wikipedia has forgotten to include her. It happened last year, shortly before she turned professional.
Paula will add more than 20 points for her great classification in the Open, and on Wednesday we will know if it is enough to surpass Andrea Revuelta, the current Number 2, and Kiara Romero, the Number One. If she doesn’t achieve it, she won’t be far off, and the truth is she will have months ahead to make the assault, just like the aforementioned Andrea. A luxury for Spanish golf.
Finally, speaking of the future, if anyone is thinking that Paula will soon turn professional, an idea that doesn’t seem far-fetched given her recent results, they can put that thought aside. The Spaniard is very clear that she will finish her studies at Stanford University, where she still has two more years. So, if she sticks to her plans, we won’t see her turn professional until May-June 2027 at the earliest. We must wait patiently and enjoy these two years she has ahead as an amateur.
