Coughlin shot an even-par 72 on Sunday (Monday AEST) for a seven-under total and her first victory in two years, earning the 33-year-old from Virginia $US600,000 ($A870,000). She won her third LPGA Tour title and first in the US, after winning in Canada and Scotland in 2024.
Korda was runner-up again after shooting a 75 and finishing two under. She made her one birdie on the par-5 18th, avoiding going without one in a round for the first time since the first day of The ANNIKA in November.
This was her third consecutive second-place finish after opening her season by winning in Orlando, Florida, moving Korda up to No.1 in the world rankings.
Leona Maguire (71) also finished at two under.
Karis Davidson was the highest-placed Australian, finishing in a tie for fifth after a one-under 71 on Sunday left her even for the tournament.
"I think it just means more because after 2024 and not winning is hard," Coughlin said. "I didn't get it done earlier in the year last year when I had a couple chances, and that really bothered me. I was like, 'What if I don't ever get to do it again? What if that's the best golf I every played in 2024?'"
Korda wasn't the only tough competitor for Coughlin to overcome. The $US4 million prize money in the event organised by Golf Saudi and co-sanctioned by the LPGA and Ladies European Tour drew 38 of the top 40 players.
Coughlin showed why she feels comfortable at Shadow Creek, even though the format this year switched from match to stroke play. She made the final pairing last year before a 1-up loss to Madelene Sagstrom.
The American was in a three-way tie for the lead after the first round and never relinquished that position.
Going into the final day, Coughlin had a two-shot margin over Korda, who ended the third round with back-to-back birdies and an apparent message she wasn't going anywhere.
But when the final round began it became clear quickly which direction the tournament was heading. Coughlin began to pull away and all but ensured at the eighth green she would be the one to place her hands on the trophy.
Coughlin rolled in a downhill right-to-left 45-footer for birdie on the par-3. Korda then proceeded to triple putt, including missing a two-footer for par.
"I'm just going to stick to what I'm doing," Korda said. "I'm really happy with the way my game is trending, and sometimes when you work too hard and you exhaust yourself, you can go the other way."
