Nelly Korda settles for a halve in surprising Match Play outcome

In April 2025, the LPGA Tour is taking center stage in Las Vegas during the T-Mobile Match Play tournament, marking the fifth consecutive year this event has been held at the exclusive Shadow Creek Golf Course. This year's tournament gained particular attention as it coincided with the absence of the PGA Tour, which has not hosted an event in Las Vegas for the first time in over four decades after the ending of the Shriners Children’s Hospital sponsorship. The PGA Tour's future plans to return to Las Vegas are still uncertain, especially with the current weather and sports schedule complicating matters. Defending champion Nelly Korda, the world No. 1 and reigning Player of the Year, has anticipated this tournament with hopes of defending her title, adding excitement to the event and drawing attention to women’s golf. However, Korda faced a challenging match against Brittany Altomare, who is currently ranked No. 828 in the world and is returning to competitive golf after an 18-month maternity leave. Despite Korda having a 2-up lead with four holes to play, Altomare made a commendable comeback, eventually halving the match after Korda fell short on a critical par putt. While Korda’s performance has garnered both admiration and surprise, the dynamics of the match highlighted the unpredictability inherent in match play events. Other notable players in the tournament also faced ups and downs, with several top seeds losing their initial matches. The match play format at the Shadow Creek course tests the players' skills thoroughly, making for tense and exciting sessions that have captivated the audience. As the tournament unfolds, it remains to be seen how Korda’s efforts will impact the visibility and reception of women’s golf. The absence of the PGA Tour in Las Vegas allows the LPGA to shine in this vibrant location, further emphasizing the need for professional golf events in markets that deserve them. The interaction between players from diverse backgrounds and stories like Altomare’s exemplifies the evolving landscape of women's sports, as well as the growing engagement of professional golf in unique markets like Las Vegas.