Rolling the Rock 2024: Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko Among Top Putters on LPGA Tour
By Darrin Dow
Putting is often referred to as the "great equalizer" in golf, and on the LPGA Tour in 2024, the flat stick has been the key weapon for several top players. From draining clutch birdies to saving pars under pressure, these players have mastered the art of rolling the rock. Let’s dive into the top performers in putting this year, their strokes gained statistics, and how their skills on the greens are shaping their seasons.
The Best Putters of 2024: Strokes Gained Putting Rankings
- Jeeno Thitikul – Strokes Gained: 2.30 per round - At just 21 years old, Jeeno Thitikul has already made a name for herself as one of the LPGA Tour's most consistent and fearless putters. Her strokes gained putting lead the Tour, highlighting her ability to convert opportunities from all ranges. What makes Thitikul stand out is her uncanny ability to handle pressure on the greens, which has been pivotal in several top finishes this season. While her long game occasionally falters, her putting more than compensates, often saving her when accuracy off the tee isn't at its best.
- Nelly Korda – Strokes Gained: 2.27 per round - Nelly Korda, a dominant force on the LPGA Tour, is not far behind Thitikul. Known for her fluid putting stroke and incredible focus, Korda has been clutch in big moments this year. Her putting prowess keeps her in contention even when her approach game struggles, showcasing her ability to grind out scores. Despite some challenges with greens-in-regulation stats, Korda’s skill on the greens makes her one of the most formidable competitors in the game.
- Ayaka Furue – Strokes Gained: 1.94 per round - Ayaka Furue has quietly risen to become one of the LPGA’s best putters. Averaging nearly two strokes gained per round with the flat stick, Furue excels in converting mid-range putts, a skill that has seen her finish high on leaderboards consistently. While her driving distance sometimes puts her at a disadvantage on longer courses, her precision putting often levels the playing field.
- Lydia Ko – Strokes Gained: 1.93 per round - Lydia Ko continues to demonstrate why she remains one of the most talented players on the LPGA Tour. Her putting, a cornerstone of her game, ranks among the best this season, helping her capitalize on opportunities and save pars when her ball-striking isn't sharp. Ko’s ability to adapt her putting to various green speeds and conditions is a testament to her experience and skill.
- Haeran Ryu – Strokes Gained: 1.90 per round - A rising star on the LPGA Tour, Haeran Ryu has used her exceptional putting to solidify her place among the Tour’s elite. Her short game complements her consistent iron play, making her a threat in any tournament. Ryu’s ability to avoid three-putts and capitalize on birdie chances has been a key factor in her success this season.
What Sets These Players Apart?
Consistency Under Pressure
All these players excel at maintaining composure on the greens, sinking putts when it matters most. Whether it’s a clutch par save or a birdie opportunity to take the lead, their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations sets them apart.
Adaptability
From lightning-fast greens to slower surfaces, the top putters on the LPGA have shown they can adjust their stroke and pace to suit any condition, ensuring they remain competitive across a variety of courses.
Efficiency
Their putting stats highlight a remarkable efficiency in converting opportunities into scores. Players like Ko and Korda are adept at turning mid-range putts into birdies, maximizing their strokes gained.
2024 LPGA Putting Stats - Putting Averages - Putts per GIR
Rank | Player | Average Putts Per GIR |
|---|---|---|
1 | Hanna Green | 1.75 |
2 | Hyo Joo Kim | 1.76 |
2 | Nelly Korda | 1.76 |
2 | Jin Young Ko | 1.76 |
2 | Natthakritta Vongtaveelap | 1.76 |
6 | Danielle Kang | 1.77 |
6 | Lydia Ko | 1.77 |
6 | Sei Young Kim | 1.77 |
6 | Jeeno Thitikul | 1.77 |
6 | Minami Katsu | 1.77 |
6 | Yuka Saso | 1.77 |
6 | Ayaka Furue | 1.77 |
6 | Yuna Nishimura | 1.77 |
In 2024, Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko showcased their dominance on the greens on the LPGA Tour, excelling in both Strokes Gained Putting and Putts per GIR (Greens in Regulation)—who had the better season?
Final @LPGA major of the year!
— KPMG Golf (@KPMGGolf) August 21, 2024
Putting is important as ever with over 50% of strokes gained occuring on the greens last year at the @AIGWomensOpen for top-10 finishers.
Keep an eye on Ally Ewing and Ayaka Furue as they have been the best in majors for 2024. #KPMGInsights pic.twitter.com/VMisFWWtTn
Where They’re Struggling
Despite their putting brilliance, even the best players have areas that can hold them back:
- Jeeno Thitikul: Occasionally struggles with accuracy off the tee, putting pressure on her iron play and short game to bail her out.
- Nelly Korda: While her putting is nearly flawless, inconsistency in her greens-in-regulation stats has forced her to rely heavily on her short game.
- Ayaka Furue: Lacks driving distance compared to many of her peers, putting more emphasis on her need for precision putting.
- Lydia Ko: When her ball-striking is off, even her putting prowess can’t always make up the difference.
- Haeran Ryu: Still developing her long game to match her impressive short game, which will be key to elevating her overall performance.
Conclusion: Putting is Key to LPGA Success
The 2024 LPGA Tour has showcased some of the most talented putters in the history of the game. Players like Lydia Ko, Jeeno Thitikul, and Nelly Korda are proving that the flat stick is as critical as ever in achieving success at the highest level. Their ability to roll the rock with confidence, precision, and consistency is what keeps them at the top of leaderboards week after week.
As the season continues, it will be fascinating to see how these players maintain their form on the greens and whether their putting brilliance can carry them to more victories. One thing is for certain: the hottest flat sticks on the LPGA Tour are making all the difference.
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