Korda Has Become Unstoppable... The Secret Behind Her Dominance on the Course

Two Wins and Five Top-Two Finishes This Season
Smarter Golf, Risk Management Strategy, and a Stronger Mindset
Bringing in Coach Angelotti to Eliminate Her Biggest Weakness in Putting

Nelly Korda (USA) is back.

After going winless last year, she has returned to the top. On March 26, at Memorial Park Golf Course (par 72) in Houston, Texas, she won the first major tournament of the 2026 LPGA Tour season, the Chevron Championship, which had a total prize fund of 9 million dollars. She led from start to finish for a wire-to-wire victory. This marks her second win of the season, her 17th career victory, and her third major title.

Korda is showcasing peak performance this season. Including the Chevron Championship, she has finished runner-up or better in all five tournaments she has played. She also reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking, which she had ceded to Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand) in August last year. She currently leads all major statistical categories, including most wins, prize money, Player of the Year points, CME points, and scoring average. Now, the spotlight is on how many more wins she can achieve. After recording seven wins in 2024, she managed just nine top-10 finishes last year. The focus is on how she has managed to return to her prime in just one year.

Nelly Korda has returned to her peak form from two years ago, when she achieved seven wins. Photo by AFP News Agency

It is difficult to explain with numbers alone. Compared to last year, her driving distance and greens-in-regulation have improved, but her fairways-hit percentage has actually decreased. Instead, her mental fortitude has become much stronger. After winning the season opener in February, Korda finished runner-up in three consecutive tournaments. She was edged out by Hyojoo Kim at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship, and lost to Lauren Coughlin (USA) at the Aramco Championship. It was a stretch that could have shaken her confidence.

However, she overcame this with dominant play at the Chevron Championship. Even her approach to golf has changed. Korda said, "This year, I play with the mindset that I can solve any problem that comes up," adding, "I try not to put too much pressure on myself." She continued, "It's important to believe that you can recover even if you make a mistake."

Her playing style has also matured. Instead of taking unnecessary risks, she now favors strategies that minimize danger. Whereas in the past she would attack aggressively even in less-than-ideal situations, this year she is focused on higher-percentage decisions.

Nelly Korda reclaimed her position as the world's best after overcoming her weakness on the greens. Photo by AP Yonhap News

These changes are clearly evident in her course management. In the second round of the Chevron Championship, she took control by making four birdies over a six-hole stretch from the 9th to the 14th. Even during this surge, she did not force anything at the 15th hole (par 3). With the pin positioned at the end of a left slope right next to a water hazard, she safely targeted the right side and saved par. As a result, she shot 7-under par in each of the first and second rounds, setting a 36-hole tournament record for lowest score.

Another key factor in her resurgence is putting. To address the putting struggles identified as the main reason for her slump last year, Korda sought help from coach Phil Kenyon, a putting specialist who has worked with players such as Scottie Scheffler (USA), Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose (both England). Kenyon introduced her to coach David Angelotti, and Korda adopted a new coaching system.

David Angelotti, the putting coach, is the benefactor who helped Nelly Korda overcome her weaknesses. Provided by Phil Kenyon Putting Academy

Arriving early in Houston ahead of the tournament, Korda went back to basics. She repeatedly practiced detailed elements such as reading greens and setting her starting line for putts, refining her feel and technique.

The results were immediate. Over the first 36 holes, she putted consistently, missing only two short putts. By sinking most of her putts, she led the field by six strokes over Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand) through the second round.

Korda said, "I finally found a coach who brought structure to my putting practice," expressing her satisfaction. "The training process has become much clearer, and the uncertainty is gone."

Nelly Korda is smiling brightly while holding the trophy after becoming the major champion at the Chevron Championship. Photo by AFP News Agency

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.