Nelly Korda is once again on the brink of victory. On Saturday, she fired an impressive 7-under 65, securing a two-stroke lead over Hannah Green as she aims to notch her sixth win in her last seven LPGA Tour events. Her drive and inspiration, however, come from watching a different sport.
“I think I’ve always had this mentality,” Korda said, explaining her relentless drive. “I’ve always given it 100%. I’ve looked up to great athletes like (Rafael) Nadal and Roger Federer, which the blend of the two I hope I have. The grace that Federer has and the fight that Nadal has. So just having people that I’ve looked up to and I’ve seen and I’ve admired, I hope that’s something I carry on to the golf course,” added the world’s No. 1-ranked player.
Korda’s performance at scenic Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey, has been stellar. After seeing Rose Zhang snap her tour record-tying five-tournament winning streak at the Cognizant Founders Cup last week, Korda has improved every round, posting a three-round total of 13-under 203. She began with a 70, followed it with a 68, and capped it with the remarkable 65.
Hannah Green, the only other multiple winner on the tour this year, made a significant move with an event-record 63, taking advantage of the calm and dry morning conditions. Her round was one shot better than the best round in the inaugural year of the event.
“Right now, Nelly is very much out of reach of getting world No. 1,” Green admitted. “I still want to get into the top 5 in the world now that I got into the top 10. Yeah, just want to keep pushing, not get too ahead of myself.”
As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Korda to see if she can continue her dominant streak and claim yet another LPGA Tour victory.
