At the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Nelly Korda faced severe challenges from the windy conditions that dominated the tournament. As of the third round on June 21, the American golfer stood tied for sixth place with a score of 2-over par, struggling to maintain consistency amid gusts reaching 30 to 35 miles per hour.

The Rolex World No. 1 openly addressed the difficulties caused by the weather in a post-round press conference, explaining how the strong wind and firm greens disrupted her putting and overall play. These demanding conditions tested her patience and precision throughout the week.

How Windy Conditions Influenced Nelly Korda’s Play

Nelly Korda described the relentless wind as a brutal factor affecting every aspect of her game during the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She emphasized the challenge of putting on the firm greens while facing gusts that made controlling the ball nearly impossible.

“Trust me, it’s so brutal out here. The greens are so firm. It’s blowing 30 to 35 miles an hour. It’s messing with your putts. It’s just — you’re just happy to get 18 under your belt on a day like this. It’s just brutal. Like you’re exhausted after these days because it’s such a premium to hit the fairways but you’re starting it so far right,”

Korda said. —Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer

She also highlighted how the playing conditions resembled those of a British Open, where running the ball up to the green is common, yet the firm surfaces at this event rejected such tactics.

“It’s almost like you’re playing a British but you can’t run it up to these greens because if you hit it short of some of these greens it just sucks it straight back. It’s just very interesting to play in these conditions the past couple days,”

she added. —Nelly Korda, Professional Golfer

Detailed Score Analysis of Nelly Korda Through Three Rounds

Korda began the tournament on June 19 with an even-par 72 in the opening round. She made a birdie and a bogey on the front nine, followed by another birdie and bogey on the back nine, finishing the day at even par. Her game initially showed promise despite the challenging weather.

During the second round, Korda started on the tenth hole and quickly faced the tough conditions. A bogey on the 13th hole was offset by a birdie on the 18th, though she still posted a 2-over par score after front nine play. The back nine proved difficult, as she incurred bogeys on the fourth and fifth holes but managed timely birdies on the seventh and ninth, keeping her score steady at 2-over for the day.

In round three, held June 21, Korda’s struggles with the wind persisted. She began with two consecutive bogeys on holes one and two but regained momentum with birdies on the fourth and fifth. A bogey on the sixth was bolstered by a birdie on the seventh, yet consistency eluded her as she added another bogey on the ninth. On the back nine, her performance included a mix of bogeys and birdies, culminating in another 2-over par 72.

Current Tournament Standings and Leading Contenders

After 54 holes, only two golfers remain under par, demonstrating the effect of the punishing conditions on the field. Minjee Lee leads the tournament with a score of 6-under par thanks to a strong third round 69 on Saturday. Jeeno Thitikul trails in second place at 2-under par. Meanwhile, Hye Jin Choi shares third place with Miyu Yamashita and Lexi Thompson, all positioned at 1-over par.

The tournament is poised to conclude on Sunday, June 22, with the leaderboard still open. Korda’s current tie for sixth expresses her resilience, though the harsh weather continues to shape the competition’s outcome.

Significance of Weather Challenges at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

The severe wind at this year’s championship has tested the skill and adaptability of all players, turning what might have been straightforward shots into strategic battles. Korda’s experience exemplifies how even top-ranked golfers are vulnerable to weather’s impact. Her candid reflections reveal the mental and physical toll of competing under these demanding conditions.

With only one round remaining, all eyes are on the leaders as they navigate the same difficult setting. The final day will not only determine the champion but will also highlight which competitors can best manage relentless wind and firm playing surfaces on a grand stage.