The World No. 1 reflects on her rise and the confidence that fuels her game
Fresh off her birthday celebrations and a week of links golf preparation, Nelly Korda arrives at Royal Porthcawl looking to go one better than last year’s runner-up finish at the AIG Women’s Open.
The 26-year-old World No. 1 has had a busy and high-profile run-up to the final major of the season — including a movie cameo in “Happy Gilmore 2” — but her focus is locked on golf.
“New week, new golf course, new conditions,” Korda said. “That’s always the goal: to play well, to be in contention, and to enjoy the ride.”
Embracing the Elements
Korda described Royal Porthcawl as a visually stunning but tactically demanding course, especially in the wind. The first tee, which plays over the corner of the 18th green, sets the tone.
“It looks like the end of the world there,” she said, referencing the dramatic coastal drop-off. “It’s really pretty… but it’s going to be a great test.”
That test, she explained, is most evident off the tee. At many links venues, driver is an option. Here, that’s not always wise.
“There’s just way too much trouble on the fairway,” she said. “Once you’re in one of those bunkers, it’s just a pitch-out. Very crucial to stay in play.”
The Confidence Factor
Asked whether difficult conditions might favor top players, Korda was quick to shift the conversation from rankings to rhythm.
“Golf is a game of confidence,” she said. “You could be ranked in the top 5 and not be trusting your game. If you’re riding high, the weather doesn’t matter. You’ve just got to trust yourself.”
That perspective underscores her approach to the majors: preparation, self-belief, and a steady routine. Even when tackling unfamiliar venues like Royal Porthcawl, she keeps her process consistent.
“You do spend a little more time around the greens, hitting bump-and-runs,” she noted. “But otherwise, my process is pretty much the same every week.”
Praise for Woad — and Perspective on Her Own Path
One of the key themes of Korda’s comments was admiration for rising English star Lottie Woad, who enters the week on the back of two straight wins.
“She’s absolutely amazing,” Korda said. “Her composure, her process — she stuck to it every single time under pressure. She’s very mature for her age and comfortable in the heat of the moment.”
Woad’s recent run, she added, makes her a genuine contender. “Her worst finish in the past three events is second or third,” Korda said. “She’s riding a confidence high too.”
Playing for Passion, Not Proving Points
While the expectations for Korda remain high, her motivation comes from a more personal place.
“I don’t really have anything more to prove to people,” she said. “For me it’s just about loving the game, testing myself, and being in the heat of the battle.”
She’s mindful of both the highs and lows of elite golf — and that balance helps shape her goals.
“There are goals that I have for myself,” she said. “But winning in every country or ticking boxes isn’t the aim. It’s about being present and enjoying the moments.”
