Nelly Korda Faces Early Setback in Chevron Championship Title Defense

Nelly Korda’s quest to defend her title at the 2025 Chevron Championship encountered a challenging start on Thursday at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. The World No. 1 golfer posted a 5-over-par 77 in the opening round, trailing the leaders by 12 strokes and placing herself four shots behind the projected cut line.

Struggles on the Course

Korda’s round was marred by a series of bogeys, including four consecutive on holes 3 through 6. She managed only one birdie on the par-5 eighth hole, highlighting a day of inconsistent play. Her performance was uncharacteristic, especially considering her recent form, which included two top-10 finishes and no rounds worse than a tie for 28th in the 2025 season prior to this event. ​

Equipment Adjustments

In an effort to improve her putting, Korda switched to a blade-style putter for the first time since August 2024. However, the change didn’t yield the desired results, as she required 33 putts during her round. Afterward, she returned to the practice green with her previous mallet-style putter, indicating a possible reversion to her former setup.

Mental Resilience

Despite the disappointing start, Korda remained composed and focused on the task ahead. She expressed her intention to practice and refine her game, demonstrating the mental fortitude that has characterized her career. Her dedication to the sport was evident as she took time to sign autographs for young fans, maintaining a positive presence even amidst adversity. ​

Looking Ahead

With the tournament still in its early stages, Korda has the opportunity to recover and make a push for the weekend rounds. Her resilience and commitment to improvement suggest that she will be a formidable competitor as the championship progresses. The coming rounds will be crucial in determining whether she can overcome this setback and continue her pursuit of a third major title.​

As the field remains competitive, with Haeran Ryu and Yan Liu sharing the lead at 7-under-par 65, Korda’s performance in the upcoming rounds will be pivotal in her bid to defend her title.

Golf enthusiasts and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Korda responds to this early challenge and whether she can reclaim her form to contend for the championship.