Nelly Korda walked into the US Women’s Open interview tent at Riviera Country Club on Tuesday looking less like she was heading out to play golf and more like she was about to walk into a World Cup match at SoFi Stadium. The World No. 1 wore a star-filled blue soccer jersey with a large USA logo and the number 13 on the front and back.
That is one of the most famous numbers in women’s soccer, worn by Alex Morgan during her international career for the United States. Morgan was also on the grounds at Riviera on the day, although Korda said she had not seen her and was not aware of the connection to the number 13.
Korda had her own reasons for the choice.
“It’s my favourite number,” Korda said. “One, my parents are 13 days apart. Our second major was my 13th win. It’s always been a lot of people think Friday the 13th or 13 has been an unlucky number, but I’ve always loved the number 13.”
She added, “I know the World Cup is starting in a week, so there’s no better place to be patriotic than the U.S. Women’s Open.”
There is also the fact that the LPGA announced Korda has become the first American to clinch a spot for this year’s Solheim Cup, four months before it will be played in the Netherlands.
As for luck, Korda is not in much need of it these days. She enters the second major of the year as the hottest player on tour, having won three times in seven starts this season with another three runner-up finishes. She already has her first major of the season after winning April’s Chevron Championship.
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The 27-year-old has three major victories in total but is still chasing the one she wants most. She came closer than ever last year, trailing by just one shot heading into the back nine on Sunday at Erin Hills. Her putter went cold and she bogeyed the 18th hole, ultimately tying for second, two shots behind first-time major champion Maja Stark.
It would be an overstatement to say that defeat consumed Korda, but it did motivate her to stay disciplined in her preparation.
“I was definitely a little more motivated after last year not getting a win, but when it came to my prep everything stayed the same,” Korda said. “I didn’t go to Asia. I took that time off to get my body ready, spent time in the gym, didn’t touch my clubs for a bit. Then, when I felt ready, I started grinding again. That is what I have been doing for the past three or four years.”
“Sometimes you get the bounces and the luck goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t. But I feel like athletes, after a tough year, try to reinvent the wheel and change too much. That can lead to trouble. It makes you doubt things a little more. You might not feel comfortable in your own skin after making a lot of changes to your game or your team.
“I always try to stay the same. This works. I am putting in the effort every day, and I know if I continue on this path it will come.”
Korda has taken a couple of weeks off since a T-8 finish in Cincinnati that she was not happy with. But time off is relative. For her, it still includes only one day fully away from golf. On other days she trains early, practises, and gets treatment from trainer Kim Baughman. She finishes around 5 or 6 pm, has dinner and goes to bed.
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“All those days you sacrifice time with friends or family,” Korda said, “but it’s worth it because there is no better rush than being in the hunt.”
Korda seemed upbeat and rested in her time with reporters. She was most animated when asked about the growth of women’s golf and her place within the LPGA.
“Definitely don’t think of myself as the face of the sport, but it is growing,” she said. “I have seen from my rookie year or even 2023, there is a big increase in young girls coming out and supporting us.
“It is amazing to see how many dads and little girls come out to events. It has grown every year. Sometimes Jay McDede and I look around and think, wow, it is amazing to see that many people here on a Thursday.”
Korda’s mood is likely helped by her quick connection with Riviera. Prior to this week she had only played it once before on temporary greens. She returned for a practice round on Monday at 6.56 am alongside coach Jamie Mulligan.
“It is in pristine condition. It is an amazing place,” Korda said. “The men rave about it every year and for us to play it in major championship conditions is special. The vibe, the history, it is a great place for us to play.”
Her favourite view is the elevated tee shot on the first hole, while the drivable par-4 10th is a major challenge.
“You would think it is an easy birdie chance, but that green is so tough,” she said. “Even if you go for it, it is a really tricky chip if you miss.”
After the press conference, Korda headed to the range still wearing her No. 13 jersey, striping balls as if it were part of her pre-round routine.
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