Korda falters in title defense at Chevron Championship

In Texas, during the first major of the LPGA Tour season, Nelly Korda faced significant challenges as she attempted to defend her title at the Chevron Championship. Despite having a stellar 2024 season, where she won seven events and was named Rolex Player of the Year, her current form hasn't matched her past success. In the first round of the Chevron Championship, Korda shot a disappointing 77, leaving her 12 strokes behind the leaders and in danger of missing the cut. She made bogeys on four consecutive holes early in her round, and her struggles continued with two more bogeys on the back nine. The leaders, Haeran Ryu and Yan Liu, each shot an impressive 7-under 65 despite weather conditions causing the round to be suspended for 24 players. This season has been a rough transition for Korda, as she started strong with a second-place finish at the Tournament of Champions and a top-10 finish shortly after. However, she has not been able to replicate the dominance shown in 2024, which included five consecutive victories. Korda expressed frustration with her putting, remarking that she is not converting putts at the same rate as last year, reflecting on her performance and the game's challenges. The LPGA’s Chevron Championship features a highly competitive field, including Lilia Vu, the 2023 champion, and Lydia Ko, the reigning Olympic gold medalist. Korda acknowledged the strength of the competition, emphasizing that it is simply part of the game and she has experienced similar dips in performance before. She remains optimistic that through continued practice and focus, she can regain her form. Meanwhile, the rookie Ingrid Lindblad, fresh from a victory in her third LPGA event, also faced difficulties during the round, but established herself as a promising talent. As the tournament progresses, the stakes are high for Korda to salvage her round and improve her standings. The LPGA Tour follows a demanding schedule, and Korda's previous accomplishments serve as a reminder of her capabilities, yet she must overcome her current hurdles amid the strong field at the Chevron Championship. An ongoing commitment to practice and trust in her skills are paramount for Korda to navigate through this challenging phase of her career.