There’s no doubt Jessica Korda will remember one particular up-and-down from last year for quite some time.

On the 72^nd hole of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, Korda hit her approach on the par-5 18^th over the green, and the ball came to rest against the grandstands. After taking relief, she putted the ball to six feet, then sank a birdie putt to edge Stacy Lewis by a stroke and claim her second career LPGA victory.

The win kick-started a stellar season in which Korda added another tournament victory and four other top-10 finishes to finish 10^th in theRolex Player of the Year standings. This year, she’s back to defend her title a week after tying for second at the Coates Golf Championship Presented by R&L Carriers in Ocala, Fla., so she should be a force to watch this weekend.

Lydia Ko , the youngest player in golf history to earn the world’s No. 1 ranking after last week’s tie for second, will also tee it up at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island. Korda and Ko will be joined by last week’s champion, Na Yeon Choi, as well as reigning Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis and 2013 Rolex Player of the Year Inbee Park.

The $1.3 million tournament’s field is stacked with talent, with stars like Paula Creamer – who tied for third last year in the Bahamas – Suzann Pettersen, Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie on the list for the 72-hole event. A host of 2014 tournament champions – including Anna Nordqvist, So Yeon Ryu and Mirim Lee – are also in the field.

In addition to Creamer, Choi, Pornanong Phatlum and Lizette Salas also tied for third last year, and each player is back again this year.

This week marks the third year for the LPGA’s Bahamas stop, and the tournament continues to be a favorite among players. The course measures 6,644 yards and is a par 73, and considering Korda’s winning total was 19 under a year ago, birdies should be available in droves.

This week’s event is the last tournament before players get a week off to prepare for a three-week jaunt to Australia, Thailand and Singapore. The Tour’s best are rested and hungry for action, so they should be full of energy in the scenic backdrop of the Bahamas this week.

Golf Channel will carry three hours of coverage from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, followed by two hours from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Korda in fine form heading into title defense in Bahamas

Related Articles