Remember when the golf world reacted to Nelly Korda recording 10 consecutive rounds under par to open the 2021 season? Well, she’s on a new heater.
Including today’s first round of the HUGEL-Air Premia LA Open, Korda now has a streak of 12 straight under-par rounds. It started last month on day two of the Kia Classic. During this stretch, Korda is 45-under par with finishes of: tied for 10th (Kia Classic), tied for third (ANA Inspiration) and tied for second (LOTTE Championship).
“Every tournament you learn more about yourself,” said Korda, who found her way to six birdies and an eagle at Wilshire Country Club this afternoon. “I was honestly so exhausted on Tuesday of [the Drive On Championship presented by Volvik at Golden] Ocala, after the win [at Gainbridge LPGA]. It was tough because you are mentally exhausted. Just making sure I take some time off, have some fun, rejuvenate and keep fresh. And not taking things too seriously.”
Even the ghosts of her past performances at Wilshire can’t slow Korda down. She was +13 with two missed cuts in her two previous starts (2018, 2019) at the HUGEL-Air Premia LA Open. That prompted a change in outlook entering the week in Hancock Park.
“I’m 0-2 out here, so I came in with a better mindset to take it a shot at a time and see where it goes,” Korda said. “I’m hoping to make some better memories this year. I’m off to a good start.
“I hit some really close. It’s definitely nice when you have those tap-ins out here. When you do make a par, the key is to hit your first putt close and not leave yourself a longer putt. I learned that, hopefully, over the previous two years and can take that into the next three days.”
Korda will begin round two at 12:59 p.m. PT tomorrow off No. 1 tee, once again alongside Inbee Park and Charley Hull.
