Nelly Korda, currently competing at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, has described the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco in Texas as a significant mental challenge. The tournament has tested all players due to the course’s difficulty, with only a few managing scores under par, underscoring the demanding nature of the venue.
Korda recently reflected on the course’s impact during an interview, noting that Fields Ranch East has proven more difficult mentally than Erin Hills, the site of the 2025 Women’s US Open where she posted a final score of -5. Her remarks emphasized the unique pressure the new course imposes on competitors.
“It’s definitely testing you. I thought Erin Hills was a mental test, but jeez, this is a really mental test.”
Designed by Gil Hanse, Fields Ranch East is a par-72 course stretching 6,604 yards. Its challenging layout has earned it a reputation as a championship-grade course, which is reflected in the cut line for this year’s event, set at seven shots over par.
Despite the difficulty, Korda has maintained a strong position throughout the tournament. After three rounds, she holds a score of two over par and is tied for sixth place. However, she has not yet recorded a round under par, with scores of 72, 74 (+2), and 72 across her rounds so far.
Overview of Nelly Korda’s 2025 Season Performance
Following an exceptional 2024 campaign, Nelly Korda’s 2025 season has seen mixed results, with several near victories but no tournament wins yet. Her best finish this year was second place at the 2025 Women’s US Open.
Below is a detailed timeline of some key tournaments Korda has participated in during 2025:
- Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (Jan 30 – Feb 2)
Venue: Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
Position: 2nd
Total Score: 270 (−18) - Founders Cup presented by U.S. Virgin Islands (Feb 6 – 9)
Venue: Bradenton Country Club
Position: Tied 7th
Total Score: 272 (−12) - Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass (Mar 27 – 30)
Venue: Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass
Position: Tied 22nd
Total Score: 274 (−14) - JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro (Apr 17 – 20)
Venue: El Caballero Country Club
Position: Tied 16th
Total Score: 274 (−14) - The Chevron Championship (Apr 24 – 27)
Venue: The Club at Carlton Woods
Position: Tied 14th
Total Score: 286 (−2) - Mizuho Americas Open (May 8 – 11)
Venue: Liberty National Golf Club
Position: Tied 5th
Total Score: 277 (−11) - U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally (May 29 – Jun 1)
Venue: Erin Hills
Position: Tied 2nd
Total Score: 283 (−5) - ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer (Jun 6 – 8)
Venue: Seaview Hotel and Golf Club
Position: Tied 15th
Total Score: 205 (−8) - KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (Jun 19 – 22) – Ongoing
Venue: Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco
Position: Tied 6th
Total Score: 218 (+2)
Significance of the Course’s Difficulty and Korda’s Performance
The Fields Ranch East course has firmly established itself as a formidable test, influencing scoring trends with only a handful of sub-par rounds. The tough conditions reveal the importance of mental resilience, a fact mirrored in Korda’s remarks describing the course as more demanding than even Erin Hills.
Korda’s steady performance, despite not yet achieving a round under par, illustrates her ability to manage the pressure and complexity presented by this challenging venue. Her current position near the top of the leaderboard suggests she remains a strong contender as the tournament progresses.
As the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship continues, Korda’s ongoing battle with the mental demands of Fields Ranch East will be critical for her chances of adding another major championship title to her career achievements.