Described as the resident free spirit on the LPGA Tour, Jessica Korda finds herself in a good position to return to the 2017 Solheim Cup after missing out on the international match play event in 2015.
The 23-year-old is currently ranked third with 86 Solheim Cup qualifying points (as of March 28). Her points reflect seven top 25 finishes since last fall when points reset, including an 18-under-par 266 win at the Sime Darby LPGA Championship in Malaysia and a tie for 14th at the Fubon LPGA Taiwan Championship at the end of 2015. Since the beginning of the 2016 season she has finished tied for 21st at the Pure Silk Bahamas in January and tied for third-place in the Honda LPGA in Thailand in February where she shot a 13-under 275. She also tied for 19th at the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore and finished tied for 6th last week at the Kia Classic.
"I struggled for most of 2015, but everything clicked in Malaysia. And my game has become more consistent ever since," Korda said. "I'm working hard to maintain that consistency so I can come to Des Moines to represent the United States at Solheim 2017."
Landing a spot on the 12-member U.S. Solheim Cup Team would cap a stellar career start for Korda who joined the LPGA Tour just five years ago and qualified for the U.S. Solheim Cup team in 2013. She carded a 1-2-1 record in the four matches she played at Colorado Golf Club outside of Denver.
The Bradenton, Fla., native has become a fan favorite, quick to joke and laugh with the crowds. The 5'11" Korda is known to show up at Pro-Am events wearing super tall heels. Her added height scored a hit with fans when she posed with the 5’6’’Karrie Webb, resting her head atop Webb's.
She's also more than willing to laugh at herself like she did after an interview with the BBC during the 2013 Women's RICOH British Open when she described a ball as "ovulating" on greens when she meant "oscillating."
Learn more about other Solheim Cup players of past teams, and get tickets to see tomorrow’s stars at SolheimCupUSA.com.