Nelly Korda knows well the euphoria of last year's five straight LPGA Tour triumphs, crowned by her Chevron Championship win. But as the world's top-ranked golfer, she faces a new reality: those past glories matter little this week as she gears up to defend her title.
Korda, now 26, had an extraordinary 2024, claiming seven victories including a remarkable five consecutive wins in the spring and earning the Rolex Player of the Year award.
"What I achieved last year, no one can take that from me," Korda shared this week. "But this is a fresh week, and I've got a fresh mindset."
This year, Korda's performances have been more subdued. Though she kicked off with a second-place finish at the Tournament of Champions in January and secured another top-10 placement shortly afterward, her form has wavered. As the LPGA Tour rolls into Texas, Korda finds herself searching for the dominating play she's known for.
Reflecting on her recent performance at the LA Championship, where she tied for 16th, Korda commented, "I just need my putter to click a little bit more." With a field featuring 24 of the top 25 players, including former Chevron champion Lilia Vu and Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko, Korda faces a formidable challenge.
Yet, she remains unfazed. "That's just golf," she mused. "I've gone through waves like this before. I just need to keep working at it."
Meanwhile, rookie sensation Ingrid Lindblad, who triumphed last week, joins the fray looking for another landmark victory. The 25-year-old Swede made headlines after clinching her first professional title, with accolades pouring in from golf icons Annika Sorenstam and Suzann Pettersen.
As attention turns to the Chevron, Lindblad is eager to build on her recent success. "I just have to keep playing my own game," she stated confidently.
Lilia Vu, who claimed the Chevron title in 2023, knows the torment of injury setbacks too well. A year ago, back spasms forced her withdrawal. Her journey back involved meticulous adjustment to her training and recovery regimen.
"I think I'm in a much better place than I was last year," Vu noted. Her determination was evident as she showcased her revived skill with a playoff win over Lexi Thompson last June.
