2025 Ford Championship: Can Nelly Korda Defend Her Title or Will a New Champion Rise?
The highly anticipated 2025 Ford Championship is fast approaching, set to take place at the picturesque Whirlwind Golf Club from March 27-30. With a massive $2.25 million prize pool on the line—$300,000 reserved for the winner—along with 500 CME points, the competition is shaping up to be one of the most intense events of the season.
Nelly Korda Returns as the Defending Champion
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Last year, Nelly Korda dominated the tournament, securing victory by two strokes. Now, she is returning to defend her title, but the field is stacked with major champions ready to challenge her reign. Korda, currently ranked World No. 1, has played two events so far in 2025, delivering impressive performances—a runner-up finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament and a T7 finish at the Founders Cup. While she has yet to claim a win this season, she has been consistently knocking on the door. Could this be the week she finally breaks through?
Top Contenders to Watch
5. Ruoning Yin
Ruoning Yin enters the Ford Championship with a hunger for victory. While her 2025 season has been relatively quiet, with finishes of T26 at the Honda LPGA Thailand, T21 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, and T33 at the Blue Bay LPGA, she remains a strong competitor. Her 2024 season was remarkable—she teed it up in 20 events, made 18 cuts, secured three victories (Dow Championship, Buick LPGA Shanghai, and Maybank Championship), and recorded four additional top-10 finishes. Additionally, she represented China at the Olympics, finishing T10. Yin has proven she has what it takes to win, and with the right momentum, she could find herself in the winner’s circle once again.
4. Hannah Green
Hannah Green has quietly been building momentum this season, making her a formidable contender. She started the year with a T20 finish, followed by a T4 finish at the Founders Cup, and most recently, a T7 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. At 28, she is in peak form and has already cemented herself as a serious competitor on the LPGA Tour.
Her 2024 season was one of her best, as she played 20 events, made 16 cuts, and achieved her first-ever three-win season. She successfully defended her title at the JM Eagle LA Championship and recorded three additional top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Mizuho Americas Open. Green also showcased her ability to perform under pressure by representing Australia at the Olympics, where she finished T4. With such a strong track record, she could very well contend for the title at Whirlwind Golf Club.
3. Jin Young Ko
Jin Young Ko came painfully close to winning the Founders Cup but fell just short. Such near-misses often ignite a fire in top athletes, and Ko is no exception. In 2025, she has put together a solid resume with finishes of T4, 2nd, T45, and T18.
While 2024 was a winless season for her, Ko remains one of the most decorated players in the field with 15 LPGA Tour victories to her name. If she can rediscover the form that won her the 2023 HSBC Women’s World Championship, she will be a serious threat at the Ford Championship. Given her recent form and past success, this could be the week she secures her 16th career victory.
2. Lydia Ko
Lydia Ko had a phenomenal 2024 season, winning three times, securing eight top-10 finishes, and earning an Olympic gold medal in Paris. Her Olympic triumph also cemented her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of the greatest golfers of her generation.
Her momentum has carried over into 2025, as she has already captured a victory at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. As a three-time major champion, she knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Given her form and confidence, she is one of the strongest contenders heading into the tournament.
1. Nelly Korda
Nelly Korda is undoubtedly the top favorite heading into the 2025 Ford Championship. As the defending champion and the world’s top-ranked player, she has already proven she can handle the pressure. Last year, she delivered an incredible performance, firing a final-round 7-under 65 to clinch the title.
While she has yet to win in 2025, her recent performances suggest she is on the verge of a breakthrough. With two top-10 finishes already this season, she remains a dominant force on the LPGA Tour.
The New Generation: 18 Rookies Ready to Make an Impact
While the established stars dominate the headlines, this year’s tournament will also feature 18 rookies eager to make their mark. With a talented crop of young golfers joining the competition, there is always the potential for a surprise champion to emerge.
Who Will Take Home the Trophy?
With such a competitive field, the battle for the Ford Championship title promises to be intense. Will Nelly Korda successfully defend her title, or will one of her challengers rise to the occasion?
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the action unfolds at Whirlwind Golf Club.