Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked female golfer, faced a challenging week at the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship held at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas. Despite entering the tournament as a favorite, Korda’s performance was marred by difficulties, leading to a candid reflection on her game. The 26-year-old American, who has been a dominant force in women’s golf, admitted that her struggles at the event highlighted areas of her game that need improvement, offering a rare glimpse into her mindset as she navigates a winless 2025 season.
Korda’s week at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was a tale of highs and lows. Early in the tournament, she showed flashes of her trademark brilliance. Her first round was marked by precise ball-striking and a steady demeanor, placing her near the top of the leaderboard. However, as the tournament progressed, inconsistencies crept in. Fierce winds, which Korda described as “brutal,” disrupted her putting and forced her to adapt to unpredictable conditions. She also struggled with some of the course’s demanding pin placements, which she called “almost impossible” in a post-round interview. These challenges culminated in a disappointing finish, far from the contention she had hoped for.
Reflecting on her performance, Korda was refreshingly honest. “It’s been a tough week,” she said. “The conditions were brutal, but that’s no excuse. My game just wasn’t where it needed to be. I wasn’t hitting the shots I wanted, and my putting let me down at key moments.” This admission underscores Korda’s self-awareness, a trait that has fueled her rise to the top of the sport. Despite her struggles, she remained optimistic, emphasizing the need to learn from setbacks. “Golf is a game of ups and downs. You have to ride the wave and keep working. I know what I need to focus on moving forward.”
Korda’s 2025 season has been a stark contrast to her stellar 2024 campaign, where she won seven times, including a major at the Chevron Championship. This year, despite consistent top-10 finishes, including a runner-up at the U.S. Women’s Open, a victory has eluded her. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was seen as a prime opportunity to reclaim her winning form, especially given her history at the event. In 2021, Korda won her first major title at this championship, a victory that propelled her to world No. 1. However, her recent performance suggests that the pressure of maintaining that ranking may be taking a toll.
The Fields Ranch East course, designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, presented a formidable challenge. With its rolling fairways, small greens, and thick rough, it demanded precision and adaptability. Korda noted that the course played longer due to the wind and potential rain, making the par-5s particularly difficult. “The downwind holes were tough to hold,” she said, highlighting the strategic adjustments required. Her struggles were not unique, as many players, including Lydia Ko and Jeeno Thitikul, also faced difficulties in the windy conditions. Yet, Korda’s high expectations for herself amplified the disappointment.
Despite the setback, Korda’s resilience shone through. She credited her team, including her sister Jessica, for providing support during the tournament. “Having Jess there keeps me grounded,” she said. “She’s been through it all and knows how to lift me up.” Korda also acknowledged the influence of her family, a sporting dynasty that includes her father, Petr, a former Australian Open tennis champion, and her brother, Sebastian, a rising tennis star. This support network has been crucial as she navigates the mental and physical demands of professional golf.
Looking ahead, Korda is determined to regroup. She plans to take a short break to recover from a nagging neck injury that flared up during practice and focus on refining her game. “I’m hungry to get back out there and compete,” she said. “This week didn’t go my way, but it’s fuel to keep pushing.” With the Amundi Evian Championship and AIG Women’s Open on the horizon, Korda has ample opportunities to add to her major tally. Her honest admission about her game at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship reveals a champion unafraid to confront her weaknesses, a mindset that bodes well for her future success.
As the LPGA Tour continues its demanding schedule, all eyes will remain on Korda. Her ability to bounce back from adversity has defined her career, and this latest challenge is likely to be another stepping stone in her journey. For now, her candid reflection serves as a reminder that even the best face struggles, but it’s how they respond that truly matters.
