THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Nelly Korda, the reigning champion of the Chevron Championship, faced a disastrous start to her title defense on April 24, 2025, recording a disappointing 5-over 77 in the opening round at The Club at Carlton Woods. Known for her morning tee time preference, Korda's mood quickly soured as she struggled with four consecutive bogeys from holes 3 to 6, leaving her 12 shots behind the leader and dangerously close to the projected cutline.
Korda's round included only one birdie, on the par-5 eighth hole, and she hit just 11 greens and 8 fairways, taking a staggering 33 putts. The world number one admitted her frustration in a post-round interview, stating, "I just have to work. I mean, I’m not hitting it well. That’s about it." The emotional toll was evident as Korda appeared on the verge of tears, a stark contrast to her usually composed demeanor.
Last year, Korda dominated the Chevron Championship with four consecutive victories, setting high expectations for her performance this year. However, she entered the tournament winless in 2025, having changed putters at the JM Eagle LA Championship the previous week. Her struggles with the blade putter led her to switch back to her previous mallet-style putter after the disappointing round, hoping to regain her touch on the greens.
Despite her setbacks, Korda has had several top-10 finishes this season, including a tie for 16th at the JM Eagle LA Championship. However, the 77 marked her worst score of the year by a margin of four shots. Korda's instructor, Jamie Mulligan, was present during the round, closely monitoring her performance.
The unpredictable nature of golf was on full display as Korda's struggles mirrored those of other top players. World No. 3 Lydia Ko also found herself in a tough spot, opening with a one-over 73 and risking missing the cut. Meanwhile, Haeran Ryu of South Korea and Yan Liu of China surged to the top of the leaderboard, each firing impressive rounds of 65.
As the day progressed, Korda's performance drew attention not only for the score but also for the emotional response it elicited. Fans and reporters alike were taken aback by her visible distress, a reminder that even the best players face challenges on the course. "Golf" was Korda's one-word answer when asked about the biggest challenge of the day, a sentiment that resonates with golfers at all levels.
Following her round, Korda immediately went to the practice green to work on her putting, opting for the mallet-style putter that had served her well in previous seasons. The 15-time LPGA winner's determination to improve was evident as she continued to practice despite her disappointing score.
As Korda prepares for the upcoming rounds, all eyes will be on her to see if she can mount a comeback and salvage her title defense. With the Chevron Championship being the first major of the year, the stakes are high, and Korda's ability to bounce back will be crucial.
In the broader context of the tournament, Korda's struggles highlighted the competitive nature of the LPGA, where even the top-ranked players can falter. The field is packed with talent, and with 63 players shooting even par or better in the opening round, Korda has her work cut out for her if she hopes to play over the weekend.
As the tournament progresses, Korda's journey will be closely watched, not only for her performance but also for her resilience in the face of adversity. Golf is a game of highs and lows, and Korda's determination to work through her struggles could serve as an inspiration for many aspiring golfers.
With the second round approaching, Korda's focus will be on regaining her rhythm and finding the form that made her a champion. The Chevron Championship is a reminder of the challenges that come with defending a title, and Korda's experience will undoubtedly shape her approach moving forward.
In conclusion, Nelly Korda's opening round at the Chevron Championship serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf. As she heads into the next rounds, her ability to adapt and overcome will be put to the test, and fans will be eager to see if she can turn her fortunes around.
