Lauren Coughlin dominant in third LPGA win, Nelly Korda makes history with 3 straight runner-up finishes
Coughlin lost in the championship match at Shadow Creek last year and did one better this time, winning the new Aramco Championship stroke play event in Las Vegas
Lauren Coughlin said she didn’t allow herself to think about victory in Las Vegas until she hit a wedge shot into the 18th green at Shadow Creek. That may have very well been the case, but everyone else knew she had won the Aramco Championship much sooner than that. “I was like alright, I think I got it now,” Coughlin said.
The 33-year-old from Virginia led by as many as six shots Sunday and ultimately, by making birdie on the par-5 home hole, topped Leona Maquire and Nelly Korda by five shots. Coughlin shot 67-69-73-72 for a seven-under 281 total to collect her third LPGA title, but first in the United States. Wins in Scotland and Canada marked her first two triumphs.
Korda’s runner-up was her third straight. Coughlin felt like she had some unfinished business at venerable Shadow Creek. Although this year’s stroke play event is new with a new sponsor, the LPGA played here last year in a match play championship.
Coughlin lost on the last hole to Madelene Sagstrom in 2025 in the championship match. “It left a sour taste in my mouth last year not getting the W given how well I feel like I played all week,” she said. “That makes it extra special this week.