Nelly Korda has eight LPGA wins and three on the Ladies European Tour. She knows how to celebrate a victory. Korda decided to celebrate her friend Megan Khang’s first win at the CPKC Women’s Open, her 191st start in her career.
Korda, who knew she would be sharing a home with Khang for the Portland Classic this week, planned a surprise to accompany a gift that Khang’s partner had sent.
Khang said, “I arrived a bit late this week and I share a house with Nelly. She showed me my room which totally surprised me. She made balloons for my bedroom and my boyfriend sent me flowers.
“I didn’t know that would happen. I’m pretty sure I cried for the very first time. “Wow, that’s crazy!’ And it really hit me.”
Korda celebrated with her friend on Wednesday, but it was time to get back to work at Columbia Edgewater Country Club. She finished the day with 3 straight birdies, bringing her to 7 under par, only two shots behind the leader Perrine Delacoure after the first round.
Korda had a few birdies and only one bogey on Thursday, despite the rain.
Amid the rain, @NellyKorda is T6 at the turn at the @PortlandClassic pic.twitter.com/qqzvL9VdhP
LPGA (@LPGA August 31 2023
“I believe the golf course in general is playing a bit softer than last year.” Korda explained that he knew he could be more aggressive because of the rain. “So I could make sure that I was flying at the right numbers, and take dead aim at flags.
“I think the rain is good.” When you hit it well, it boosts your self-confidence. It’s difficult to play in the wet and you have to be more careful to stay dry. There’s also more to do, but it wasn’t too bad. It was consistent all day.”
Korda was forced to take a break from golf this spring due to lower back pain. Jason Baile was the new swing coach at Jupiter Hills Club, Florida, when the 25-year old returned to work. Since returning to work, she hasn’t yet won, but her two top-11 finishes at the Amundi Evian Championship, and AIG Women’s Open, can attest.
It’s been a very interesting time ever since my injury. “I came back, and I had played well before, but when I returned, it was hard to get back into the swing of things,” Korda explained. “I played four majors back-to-back, which means that I had to play on tough, firm golf course where it was hard to regain confidence,” Korda said.
I believe in taking one step at a given time. “I’m moving in the right direction.”
Korda’s focus in Portland is on performing well at the Solheim Cup.
Korda will make her third appearance in the biennial tournament against the Europeans. She has a record of 5-2-1 from previous starts. But that will be in the future.
She said, “I am focusing my attention on this week and will focus on the next week when I arrive.” “I am just trying to play consistent golf and take it one day at a time. I hope that will carry over into Spain.”
