Tournament interview schedules are generally a matter of media housekeeping, letting writers and reporters know when a player will speak prior to an event. However, an interview schedule release from the USGA overnight broke some news regarding next week’s United States Women’s Open.

That’s because, in the 10:30am slot on May 31 at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina, one Nelly Korda is scheduled to talk, signalling the former world No.1 is set to make her return to competitive golf.

Korda, 23, has been sidelined since early March after discovering a blood clot and underwent surgery in April to have the clot removed. On May 20, Korda posted an Instagram video of herself hitting balls, but made no mention of a return date.

Korda is coming off a career year in 2021, winning four LPGA events including her first Major at the Women’s PGA Championship, and captured the Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games. Despite the breakthrough at the Women’s PGA, Korda told Golf Digest that the tournament she wants the most is the USGA’s flagship event.

“Any Major is a Major, but the one that holds a significant meaning to me is the US Open,” Korda told Golf Digest’s Keely Levins.

Korda has played just three times this season, her last appearance coming in early February at the LPGA Drive On Championship.

The 77th US Women’s Open begins on June 2. Yuka Saso is the defending champion.

PHOTO: Sarah Stier