Nelly Korda arrives at this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship carrying more than just the expectations that come with being the world’s top-ranked golfer. She also brings the momentum of a season that has already placed her in rare company, with a chance to capture a third consecutive major championship after victories at the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open.
The schedule leading into Hazeltine National Golf Club has been relentless. After winning the U.S. Women’s Open in California, Korda honored her commitment to compete alongside Olivia Cowan at the Dow Championship in Michigan before heading straight to New York for a series of promotional appearances designed to raise the LPGA’s profile. It has left little room for rest, but Korda views the demands as part of embracing her growing role within the sport.
Korda Staying Authentic Amid a Busy Schedule
Speaking ahead of the championship, the 27-year-old explained that becoming more visible has simply required her to become more comfortable in those moments. Rather than trying to fit a particular image, she said she has focused on being authentic and letting her genuine personality come through, regardless of how it is received.
The results on the course have been just as convincing. Korda has earned more than $5.3 million in prize money this season, winning four of the nine tournaments she has entered while finishing outside the top ten only once. She also holds a commanding lead in the LPGA’s Vare Trophy race for the lowest scoring average, sitting more than a stroke ahead of Hyo Joo Kim.
History is also within reach. Only Inbee Park in 2013 and Babe Zaharias in 1950 have opened a season by winning the first three major championships. Korda already owns two of them, with the Women’s PGA Championship representing the next step before the tour heads to Europe for the Evian Championship in France and the Women’s British Open in England later this summer.
Fatigue Gives Way to Opportunity
Despite her success, Korda admitted the recent stretch has taken its toll. She described feeling exhausted after the U.S. Women’s Open, saying she struggled to sleep and found it difficult to get out of bed each morning during the following week’s tournament. Even now, she acknowledged that some of that fatigue remains.
Still, she welcomed the opportunity to spend time in New York representing the LPGA. Her appearances included a cameo on NBC’s “Today” show, a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, and an event in Times Square. Korda said those experiences allowed her to show a more relaxed, self-described “dorky” side of her personality when introducing herself to audiences beyond golf.
LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler believes those moments matter. He said athletes who can connect with people outside their sport become the kind of stars who break into mainstream culture, adding that Korda is helping make that happen.
Women’s Golf Continues to Raise the Bar
The championship itself reflects the continued growth of women’s golf. The tournament returns to Hazeltine for the first time since 2019 and features a record-setting $13 million purse, the largest in the history of the women’s game.
Korda said the transformation has been remarkable to witness. She pointed to similar momentum across women’s tennis and basketball, describing the increased investment in women’s sports as encouraging. She also expressed gratitude to the sponsors and partners who have continued to raise the bar, helping create larger stages and greater opportunities for the athletes competing today.
