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Nelly Korda is freed up at the Chevron Championship. That's bad news for the field
TL;DR
Nelly Korda is leading the Chevron Championship after a strong start, successfully making crucial par putts. Her performance signals a promising start to her major championship season.
Key points
- Nelly Korda is leading the Chevron Championship.
- She made crucial par putts on her first two holes.
- Avoiding a bogey was vital for her confidence.
- Her performance is important for the LPGA's visibility.
Nelly KordaChevron ChampionshipLPGA
Nelly Korda is freed up and leading the Chevron ChampionshipGetty Images
HOUSTON — Nelly Korda’s major championship season opened with stress and everyone holding their breath.
Starting on the par-4 10th at Memorial Park, Korda faced a six-foot sliding putt for par. Miss it, and the World No. 2 would start the Chevron Championship with an inauspicious bogey and be behind the eight-ball out of the gates, leaving everyone wondering if a repeat of a shaky 2025 major season was on deck. She took a deep breath and calmly rolled it in the heart. Another seven-foot par putt awaited her on her second hole of the day, the par-3 11th, and once again Korda answered the bell.
Just as the LPGA needed her to.
It’s unfair to put the tour on Korda’s shoulders. But she’s the biggest star in the women’s game and if the LPGA is going to make inroads with new audiences, it needs their biggest needle to be a draw on its biggest weeks.
The LPGA needed Nelly Korda to provide electricity this week at Memorial Park. After two gritty par saves to start her championship, Nelly Korda delivered.
She birdied No. 12 and No. 16 to turn in 2-under. Then, she hit the gas. Korda stuffed a wedge into the par-5 first to get to 3 under and then hit a 5 iron on the par-3 second hole to five feet for another birdie.
“I hit that one good,” a beaming Korda said after her round. “Those are the shots that you’re like, oh, God, I love golf.”
Another birdie followed at the third to get Korda into a tie for the early lead. After three straight pars, Korda arrived at the par-3 7th hole and hit a towering 6 iron to five feet for another birdie. A final birdie at the par-5 8th meant Korda signed for an opening round of 7 under and a two-shot lead. It was the second-lowest opening round in a major of Korda’s career and her first bogey-free round in a major since the second round of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open.
A year ago, Korda was going through the early part of . It was a campaign that saw her truly contend at only one of the five majors. It was frustrating but also served as a reminder for Korda that . She has long held the key to her own success and has the support system around her to keep her stable in the downturns that naturally arrive in the world of professional golf.
Q&A
What is Nelly Korda's current standing in the Chevron Championship?
Nelly Korda is currently leading the Chevron Championship after a strong performance.
How did Nelly Korda perform on her first holes at the Chevron Championship?
Korda made critical par putts on both her first and second holes, avoiding a bogey start.
What challenges did Nelly Korda face at the start of the Chevron Championship?
Korda faced pressure to avoid a bogey on her opening hole, which could have set a negative tone for her tournament.
Why is Nelly Korda's performance significant for the LPGA?
Korda's strong start is crucial for the LPGA, as her success can boost interest and viewership in women's golf.
