Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked female golfer, is preparing to defend her home turf. The Chevron Championship, the first major of the year, will get underway at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. This momentous occasion will be the first major of the year for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). On the player side, Korda comes into the tournament looking to find her winning groove again. This was her first win of the season.
Last week, Korda finished tied for 16th at the JM Eagle LA Championship held at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California. Though she didn’t win, she said she is riding a new level of confidence in her iron play. Now, she’s looking forward to putting some distance between herself and her putter. Korda is making her sixth start of the season. She’s looking to break through and make it her first victory!
Aiming for a Strong Comeback
Korda’s performance at the past week’s JM Eagle LA Championship was indicative of her up-and-down stretch. Her final score of 14 under par gave her plenty of reason to feel positive about her game, she said. “I really have some confidence in my iron play now,” she said after the tournament. She readily admitted that her putting is a work in progress as she still looks for that elusive consistency.
“I think that’s where it’s been lacking, is the putts that I was making last year,” Korda noted, reflecting on the challenges she has faced this season. The golfer’s determination to heat up her putter indicates her focus on returning to the winning form that saw her claim five consecutive victories last year.
Korda’s LPGA career so far has garnered her some of the most impressive records in the circuit’s history. She added her name alongside icons like Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam. Now, she joins the ranks of just three other golfers as one of only four to win in five straight appearances. This incredible accomplishment serves as a testimony to her skill and competitiveness as a golfer.
Balancing Golf with Hobbies
Beyond the links, Korda’s taken an interesting approach to unwinding. This is her tactic for beating the competition’s pressure. Earlier this month, she shared that one of her favorite forms of relaxation involves building Lego sets. “Going to make my dad do LEGOs with me this week,” she shared, highlighting her lighthearted approach to balancing her professional commitments with personal interests.
Korda has put together a number of dazzling sets. Included is a McLaren Formula 1 model donated by a supporter as well a Simba figure from Disney’s “Lion King.” Her new creative outlet provides her with an opportunity to break away from the laser-like focus required during tournaments. It allows her to unplug and stay focused on something productive.
Beyond her search for peace through Lego creation, Korda is focused on one thing and one thing only—her golf game. She looks to get back on the winning track as she goes into the Chevron Championship.
Reflecting on Past Success
Read how, with a new Chevron Championship upon her, Korda reflects on her historic 2024 campaign. She ticked off seven wins including the Mizuho Americas Open and The Annika, both of which are highly touted among professional golf’s co-sanctioned events. Last season, she made her own history by coming into the Chevron Championship with four consecutive wins. She went on to win her second major championship, edging Maja Stark by two strokes.
Korda directly addressed what happened last year, saying, “Last year is in the past.” Korda, unequivocably. Having secured her first degree she is now concentrating on the contests to come. This outlook is key as she tries to build on her previous successes while facing down entirely new challenges.
With the tournament drawing ever closer, it’s clear that Korda’s resolve to defend her title is strong. The golfer knows that every tournament has its unique challenges and chances to learn and improve. Korda is one to push her game to new heights with a fiery focus. With a powerful support system around her, the past is just that and she’s ready to shine once more as The Club at Carlton Woods.
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