World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda returned to competition after a two-month break with a bogey-free, 7-under 65 on Thursday at The Annika. She trails leaders Minami Katsu and Hye-Jin Choi by two shots in her first tournament appearance since the Solheim Cup.
Strong Start for the Leaders
Choi delivered a stellar opening round by carding a 63 on the Gulf Coast of Florida at Pelican Golf Club, making birdies on half of her holes. Katsu joined Choi at the top of the leaderboard after registering three consecutive birdies late in her afternoon round, while Lindy Duncan sat one shot further back following a 64.
Choi noted that she historically struggles with Florida grass, particularly around the greens, but hit 17 greens in regulation during her opening round. Katsu also completed her round without a single bogey as she pursues her goal of becoming the sixth Japanese player to claim an LPGA Tour victory this season.
Korda Recovers After Burnout
Korda’s last official event prior to her break was the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands, where she finished with a 2-1-1 record following the American team’s defeat. She admitted that the demanding schedule left her mentally exhausted, prompting her to step away from the sport.
Korda holds four tournament victories this year, highlighted by her first U.S. Women’s Open title in early June at Riviera. She already secured the LPGA player of the year honors based on points and maintains the lead in the Race to CME Globe standings.
Hall of Fame and Accolades
Beyond tournament contention, Korda has the opportunity this week to move ahead of event host Annika Sorenstam on the career money list. A victory in either of the final two events of the season would also qualify Korda for the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Several other notable European Solheim Cup competitors also opened strong at Pelican Golf Club, with Julia Lopez Ramirez finishing among four players at 66, while Leona Maguire, Carlota Ciganda, and Lottie Woad all shot 65.
