DailyExpertNews
—
When Nelly Korda took on two of the best on the PGA Tour in December, she received critical acclaim.
“It’s a testament to these other ladies that everyone can even smell she beat her because that was hugely impressive,” Max Homa marveled to reporters after he and Kevin Kisner took on Korda and Denny McCarthy at the QBE Shootout , a team-based unofficial money event on the PGA tour.
Kisner, a four-time PGA Tour winner, was equally impressed by the women’s world No. 2.
“I think I once called her the Tiger Woods of the LPGA Tour,” added Kisner. “I asked her there if she wins every tournament. She said no.’ I’m like, ‘I don’t believe you.’”
When asked about the praise in January, Korda had one takeaway.
“That they should watch more women’s golf,” Korda told reporters with a laugh.
“They were very nice with their words to me, but I think if they came here and saw all the girls compete, they would be just as impressed.”
In December, the QBE Shootout will be replaced by The Grant Thornton Invitational, held at the same Tiburón Golf Club in Naples. There will be 32 players – 16 from the LPGA Tour and 16 from the PGA Tour – competing in a mixed team event for a $4 million prize pool.
Not since 1999, when Laura Davies and John Daly won the last JCPenney Classic together, have the two tours jointly hosted an annual mixed-team competition. Korda couldn’t be more excited.
“It’s something so different and so unique, I’m so grateful to be a part of it,” she said.
Nelly Korda’s first major title is a family affair
Part of Korda’s enthusiasm stems from her belief that the event is the next step in the growth of the women’s game — though the 24-year-old insists it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
“Growing step by step, little by little, and learning from mistakes, I think the end result will make our base much stronger than growing super fast right away,” Korda said.
“From where we were 10 years ago to what we are today, it’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown and the respect we’re getting.
“You can have equality and you may still not have people’s respect. And I think once you gain the respect, everything blends in and it becomes much bigger than the sameness.
Both Korda and her sister Jessica, the world number 25, will be teaming up with big names in the men’s game, with Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler respectively. With five PGA Tour wins each, they are considered two of the most talented golfers to ever win a major.
In Finau, Korda stars alongside one of the protagonists of Netflix’s “Full Swing,” a fly-on-the-wall show documenting the 2022 PGA Tour season. Episode six sees the American charm as a golfer who works hard to balance his career with family obligations.
“He’s such a nice guy, he’s so sweet,” Korda said.
“I’m sure everyone knows that now with the Netflix documentary that came out about the PGA Tour and I’ve heard his episode is a big hit.
“I’m just excited to get to know him better and I think he’s such a solid player overall. I’m really excited to compete alongside him.”
But one team event is guaranteed to trump all others for Korda this season. In September, all eyes will be on Finca Cortesin Golf Club in Andalusia, Spain, for the Solheim Cup.
The US team will be under pressure to avoid a European three-peat, following a defeat at Gleneagles, Scotland in 2019 and a home defeat at Inverness Club, Ohio in 2021.
On the losing side on both occasions, Korda is set to get a taste of Solheim Cup victory for the first time. With herself, her sister, Lexi Thompson, Danielle Kang, Lilia Vu and Jennifer Kupcho all enjoying strong seasons, USA team captain Stacy Lewis is spoiled for choice when choosing her 12-player roster.
“At the end of the day, golf is so individual that it’s nice to have teammates and not just play for yourself, but play for them, play for your captain, play for your country,” she said.
“It just brings a new level of respect and it’s so much fun. Every time I get the chance to do that, I am full of pride.”
Ranked second in women’s golf behind New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, Korda enjoyed a string of stellar performances on either side of the new year. Three straight top-six finishes to begin 2023 continued a smashing end to 2022 that Korda capped off with three top-10s – including a win at the Pelican Women’s Championship in November.
After announcing in March 2022 that she would not compete in the Chevron Championship due to a blood clot in her arm, she returned to action at the US Women’s Open in May, making only her fourth start of the season.
Defending her title at the Pelican Women’s Championship – her first LPGA Tour win of the season and eighth of her career – marked a cathartic moment for Korda, who was overcome with emotion after her victory.
“2022 was a tough year at the beginning… to win at the end was super special for me,” said Korda.
“Each year you strive to be the best you can be – on the golf course, as a player, as a person.
“If I can have fun and stay healthy, then I know I can do my best.”