Nelly Korda found her stroke at Erin Hills, sinking 100 feet of putts in what she called her best U.S. Open round.
Nelly Korda: Riding the Wave of Her Best U.S. Open Round into the Weekend
Erin Hills, Wisconsin – The U.S. Women’s Open is often dubbed the toughest test in women’s golf, a major that demands precision, resilience, and an unwavering belief in one’s game. For world No. 1 Nelly Korda, this year’s championship at Erin Hills proved no exception, but it also offered a glimmer of a new chapter in her often “complicated relationship” with this particular major. As she headed into the crucial weekend rounds, a significant talking point was her exceptional second-round performance – a stunning 5-under 67, marking her best-ever score at a U.S. Women’s Open.
Coming off a first-round even-par 72, Korda knew she needed a strong showing on Friday to not only make the cut but to position herself for a legitimate run at the title. And she delivered. Her round of 67, featuring seven birdies, showcased the kind of dominant golf that has made her the top-ranked player in the world. She moved from level par to five-under for the tournament, vaulting her firmly into contention, just three shots behind the leader at the time.
Reflecting on that stellar Friday, Korda likely felt a blend of satisfaction and determination. “All week I was hitting putts really well,” she had remarked, highlighting that the foundation for her low score was not a sudden stroke of luck, but rather consistent, high-quality ball-striking and putting. This was a crucial insight, as putting had sometimes been her Achilles’ heel in past U.S. Opens, despite her remarkable ball-striking prowess. This time, she wasn’t “discouraged by all the missed putts or the close calls” from previous rounds, opting instead to “build on that.”
The mental aspect of the U.S. Open is as challenging as the physical. Korda, a player known for her intense focus, revealed a more measured approach this year. “I’m not riding the roller coaster like sometimes I do,” she noted, emphasizing a newfound commitment to being “very level-headed” and trusting her ability to “bounce back” from mistakes. This mindset, honed through years of high-pressure competition, was evident in her composed play, even with a couple of three-putt bogeys in that otherwise brilliant 67.
Heading into the weekend, that 67 wasn’t just a number; it was a statement. It signaled that Nelly Korda, despite her previous struggles with this major – including a missed cut last year after an opening 80 – was ready to contend. It gave her the confidence that she could, indeed, conquer the demanding Erin Hills. The momentum from such a round is invaluable, providing a mental boost and a clear path forward.
While the U.S. Women’s Open ultimately eluded her, with Korda tying for second, her Friday 67 remains a testament to her evolving game and mental strength. It was a round that underscored her ability to perform under immense pressure and set the stage for her best-ever finish at the championship, proving that her complicated relationship with the U.S. Open is steadily becoming one of resilience and remarkable progress.
