Korda helps United States win Curtis Cup

Bradenton's Jessica Korda and her American teammates split the Sunday singles matches to defend the Curtis Cup on home soil.

The United States defeated Great Britain and Ireland 12 1/2-7 1/2 in the 36th Curtis Cup held at Essex (Mass.) County Club this past weekend.

Korda teamed with Alexis Thompson for the second time during the three-day event in Saturday's morning four-balls, where they defeated Danielle McVeigh and Pamela Pretswell 2 & 1.

Korda and Thompson joined up again in the Saturday afternoon foursomes.

This time they beat McVeigh and Leona Maguire 3 & 1, as the USA swept all six matches Saturday.

The GB&I squad would need a scintillating performance on Sunday to win the Cup, but the singles portion was just a coronation for the Americans as they won the Curtis Cup for a 27th time.

Korda stayed hot in her Sunday match against Pretswell with five birdies en route to a 4 and 3 victory.

Korda never trailed in the match, taking her first lead on No. 3 with a par to Pretswell's bogey.

Then the right-hander birdied Nos. 5-7 to take a 2-up lead through seven, and turned with a 3-up lead.

It was more than enough.

Korda earned medalist honors at The Oaks during the U.S. Women's Open sectional qualifier after rounds of 68-68--136.

So, she's in good form leading into the Open held at Oakmont Country Club outside of Pittsburgh July 5-11.