Nelly Korda Looks To Rediscover Unbeatable Form In Women’s British Open At The Home Of Golf

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Nelly Korda was playing such good golf in the first half of 2024 that her opponents began to hope she would not show up for events.

“I played in Los Angeles a couple weeks ago, and she pulled out,” No. 40 Georgia Hall said of the world’s number one player. “I texted her and just said, ‘Thanks for giving us a chance.'”

However, as we approach this week’s British Open, the fifth and final major of the year, one of the greatest winning runs in women’s golf history has ended.

Nelly Korda Looks To Rediscover Unbeatable Form In Women’s British Open At The Home Of Golf

Korda missed the cut in three consecutive events, including two majors, for the first time in her career, following a run of five straight victories from January to April and six wins in seven starts on the LPGA Tour. She also finished outside the top 20 at the Evian Championship and the Olympic Games in Paris.

So, where does Korda see her game going? To the home of golf, St. Andrews, which is hosting the Women’s Open for the third time.

“You are going to go up. “You’re going to go down,” Korda stated Wednesday. “I think the nicest part of the downs is that you learn so much about yourself, and every situation is a learning opportunity, which I appreciate.

“I always try to think of everything in a good way. Compared to the beginning of the year, I’ve had some disappointing finishes. But at the end of the day, I’m still learning and improving from it.”

At this point in her career, Korda focuses on “not getting ahead of yourself.”

That applies to this week as well.

Because of the rain and strong gusts anticipated for Thursday and Friday, the Old Course should be a stiff challenge for the world’s finest players.

Stacy Lewis, the American who won the event the last time it was held at St Andrew’s in 2013, said Wednesday that she believes “maybe 60% of the field” will enter the week with the mindset that will prohibit them from winning.

“There’s a lot of people,” Lewis, the US Solheim Cup squad captain, said. “When they get off the plane and see the weather, it’s not going to fit them.”

Korda, whose sole top-10 finish in seven British Opens was a tie for ninth in 2019, emphasized the importance of “staying present.”

“The beauty of this week is that you’re going to hit some bad shots that will turn out well, and then you’re going to hit some good shots that will turn out poorly,” said Korda, who won the Chevron Championship in April for her second major win.

“At the end of the day, you get to be really creative with the game of golf, too, which we don’t get to do on a lot of golf courses.”

Nelly Korda Looks To Rediscover Unbeatable Form In Women’s British Open At The Home Of Golf

Lilia Vu of the United States is the reigning champion, although recent experience indicates she will struggle. Since 2019, every British Open champion has failed to reach the weekend during their title defense.

Vu also stated that she was sick entire week after competing in the Olympics.

“I think I know it’s going to be a battle for everyone, not just me,” Vu said of her “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to play a major at the home of golf.

SOURCE | AP