World No. 1 Nelly Korda feels she has had “nine lives” in 2024 after a year including five straight wins, three consecutive missed cuts and a painful migraine.
Korda has been in impeccable form for the first four months of the season, riding a five-event winning streak that ended with the American claiming a second major from her guardian at the Chevron Championship in April, before earning her sixth success in seven starts at Mizuho. America opening in May.
However, the 26-year-old then fell short over the next two major weekends, with an 80 at the US Women’s Open, including a par-three par 12, and then an 81 at the KPMG Women’s PGA. Championship.
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Korda endured a nightmare start at the U.S. Women’s Open with a career-high 10th on the LPGA and tied for third at 12th.
Korda hasn’t played since September with a neck injury and revealed ahead of his return – The ANNIKA in his native Florida, live Sky Sports Since Thursday’s Solheim Cup victory against Europe in Virginia, he suffered a migraine, as well as the following week.
The Rolex Player of the Year told reporters after playing alongside basketball star Caitlin Clarke on Wednesday. “The only time it didn’t hurt was sleeping and being in a dark room, and I think that led to my neck. injury
“In a sense, maybe I rushed my recovery to get to these two events (ANNIKA and next week’s CME Tour Group Championship) because they were important to me. be ready for Naples.
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Check out some of Korda’s highlights from 2024, when she hit a record-tying five straight LPGA Tour wins.
Corda: I had to make time for myself
“It feels like I’ve lived nine lives (after winning the LPGA Drive On Championship in January).
“You put yourself under a bit more scrutiny as an athlete when you have bad days, especially when you’re a top player.
“So (it’s about) knowing that it’s okay to have bad days and not really look at all the criticism, to believe in your talents and hard work. Not being afraid to make mistakes. I am human.
“(I’ve also learned) to enjoy life a little more, it gets blurry.
“My work is the love of my life. I love golf so much, I love being here and inspiring the next generation.
“But after everything that’s been going on this year, it’s good to take a step back sometimes, take a little more time for yourself and switch off.”
Caitlin Clarke and Korda pictured at The ANNIKA Pro-Am on Wednesday
“It felt like two friends hanging out,” Korda said of Caitlin Clarke
Playing alongside Clarke, who lit up college basketball in the WNBA before signing with the Indiana Fever, Korda added, “It was amazing, she’s so sweet, so nice.
“We did a little bit of messaging on Instagram before, but to see the impact he has on people and how amazing he is to the sport, it was really cool to see first hand.
“(The best part) was just talking about life, asking him questions, he asked me. It felt like two friends hanging out. It was great to see how relaxed he was.
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“The media attention he’s had over the last two years, you can see how comfortable he is playing in front of bigger crowds. He just really enjoyed it. He is definitely really talented.
“He took the ball really cleanly. he was missing a few shots to the right, but with the commitments he has, he probably gets to the golf course once a week, so he played really well.
“I love that he loves golf. I’ve never really been into basketball before, so there’s a growing interest in women’s sports. I hope that’s what grows out of this relationship.”
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