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Top-ranked Nelly Korda has won six titles this year, including her second major, but she’s eager to finally learn what it’s like to play on a winning Solheim Cup team.
The Tokyo Olympic champion leads the United States into the 19th edition of the women’s golf showdown between the American and European teams that begins Friday at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
The Americans lead the rivalry 10-7 with one tie, but the Europeans have lifted the trophy in the last three events in thrilling fashion – 14.5-13.5 at Gleneagles in 2019, 15-13 at Inverness in 2021 and 14-14 as defending champions in 2023 at Finca Cortesin in Spain.
“We still have work to do,” Korda said ahead of his fourth Solheim Cup start. “I haven’t won yet, but all my Solheim Cup experiences have been incredible.”
It still remains a bit unfinished without lifting the material.
“I can tell you we’re hungrier than ever,” said Megan Khang, a fourth-time U.S. titleholder, adding that last year’s draw without the Cup “doesn’t necessarily leave the best taste in your mouth.”
Korda won six titles this year, including her second major at the Chevron Championship. She has won five tournaments in a row, a feat previously achieved only by Nancy Lopez in 1978 and Annika Sorenstam in 2004-05.
She won the Drive On crown in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida in January, the Pak Se-ri and Ford championships in March and the Match Play and Chevron crowns in April as well as the Americas Open in May.
“This year has been a little crazy,” Korda said. “Bradenton seems like a lifetime ago.”
“Every time you wear the red, white, blue and the stars and stripes, it has a different meaning. You’re not only playing for yourself, but for your captains, your teammates and your country, and there’s nothing like it.
“I hope we can all come together as a team and lean on each other, without someone else leaning on me, maybe because I have more experience or because I’m the world number one.”
– Obama visits a dinner –
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, a member of the host team, appeared at the U.S. team dinner Monday to cheer on the Americans as they win the Cup for the first time since 2017.
“He also knew all of our names and he congratulated us all on our success,” Korda said.
Khang added: “It was really cool to have a former president at the team dinner. It’s pretty incredible. I know he plays here, so just to appreciate him taking the time to come see us is incredible.”
The Washington area has been kind to the Korda family. His father, Petr Korda, won the 1992 Washington Open and his brother Sebastian Korda won the Washington Open last month.
“We’ve been fortunate in the Washington, D.C. area,” Korda said. “Hopefully everything goes well and we play some really good golf this week.”
Korda is excited to see the growth of women’s golf since her older sister Jessica joined the LPGA Tour in 2011.
“Seeing the growth of the game and not just the purses, but the interest from fans and other businesses to invest in women’s golf has been incredible,” Korda said.
“I feel like we’re going in the right direction and I hope they continue to invest in the product because it’s amazing.”
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