World No. 1 Nelly Korda is embracing the pressure as she resumes her challenge for a first US Women’s Open title this week in Wisconsin. Despite a winless start to the LPGA Tour season so far, Korda remains focused on making a breakthrough at this major championship.
Korda missed the cut at last year’s US Women’s Open, which followed her best finish in the tournament—a tied-eighth place in 2022. She is determined to improve her performance as she competes against top players, including defending champion Yuka Saso, who won last year by three shots over Hinako Shibuno.
Pressure and Performance: Korda’s Perspective
At 26 years old, Korda acknowledges the inevitable pressure that comes with being a high-ranking player. She explained how external factors like media attention and fan expectations can increase pressure, but she strives to stay centered on her game plan.
“I don’t try and think about it,”
Korda said about managing pressure during competitions.
“Definitely when you’re a higher-ranked player or you’re more popular there is more pressure on you just from the outside perspective when it comes to media, fans coming out to watch you play.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
“If you want to feel it, you will feel it, but I think what’s really important is just kind of sticking to your game plan and being really focused on what you’re doing present time, and that’s really helped me.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
Despite her previous challenges, including missing the cut in three of the past five US Women’s Opens, Korda remains committed to learning from each experience and improving her ability to handle pressure situations.
Recent Form and Challenges on the LPGA Tour
Korda entered last year’s US Women’s Open coming off an impressive streak, having won six of her previous seven events. However, she struggled with an 80 in the opening round at Lancaster Country Club, which resulted in missing the cut for the weekend.
This season, Korda’s form shows promise as she tied for fifth at the Mizuho Americas Open and leads the LPGA with an impressive average score of 68.88, despite not yet capturing a tournament victory. Her strong average scoring highlights her consistency even during a winless stretch.
Korda’s Approach to Growth Under Pressure
Experiencing pressure-filled moments and being in contention for titles have been valuable learning opportunities for Korda. She shared that each year brings new challenges that test both her mental and competitive skills.
“I think the more you’re put in under-pressure moments and the more you’re in contention, you learn more about yourself and how to handle those situations,”
Korda reflected.
“Every year something has tested me, and every year I learn a little bit more about myself and how to handle myself in some situations. So yeah, I think it’s all about putting yourself into that position.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
She also emphasized a mindset of gratitude toward competing at the highest level and encourages embracing pressure rather than fearing it.
“At the end of the day, you’re the one that put yourself there, and you have to be grateful that you are in that spot, and you kind of have to just enjoy even the pressure.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
Korda regards the US Women’s Open as the most rigorous test, appreciating how it challenges every aspect of a golfer’s skills.
“It definitely has tested me a lot,”
she said.
“I love it. At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do, is to play these golf courses in these conditions, to test our games in every aspect.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
Partnership for the Opening Round and Mindset Insights
For Thursday’s opening round, Korda will be paired with Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson as she looks to make a strong start at the US Women’s Open. She acknowledged the importance of maintaining patience and mental focus throughout the week.
“It’s big,”
Korda said of the challenge.
“Some weeks it’s so much easier to be patient than others. It just depends on kind of the mindset and how you’re feeling mentally.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
“But it plays a really big role. Sometimes you can get ahead of yourself, and as I’ve said in the past, staying in the moment is really, really important for me.”
—Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer
How to Watch the US Women’s Open Live
Sky Sports is providing extended live coverage of the US Women’s Open starting Thursday, with broadcast on Sky Sports Mix at 5 pm and on Sky Sports Golf from 11 pm. The second-round coverage follows the same schedule.
Saturday’s play will air live from 6 pm on Sky Sports Mix, with the final round broadcast beginning at 7 pm on Sunday on the same channel. Fans can also catch daily one-hour highlights on Sky Sports Golf.
Viewers can watch the tournament live either through Sky Sports or by streaming without a contract via NOW.
Looking Ahead: Korda’s Quest for Major Glory
Nelly Korda enters this year’s US Women’s Open with a renewed mindset, balancing hope and realism as she navigates the toughest challenge in professional golf. Her commitment to embracing pressure and learning from past experiences underlines her determination to capture her first US Women’s Open title.
This milestone would not only mark a major breakthrough in her career but also solidify her status in the sport’s elite ranks, inspiring others with her resilience and dedication on the course.