Given the drama of the Solheim Cup, it seems almost remarkable that Nelly Korda was able to finish as high as fifth on her first appearance since – at the Kroger Queen City Championship.
Nelly Korda was undoubtedly one of the stars of the show at the Solheim Cup, winning her first three matches at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club to set USA on their way to their first win in the event since 2017.
There seemed to be a different side to Korda on show at the Solheim Cup, with the world number one dancing to the first tee ahead of her singles match with Charley Hull on Sunday; soaking in the amazing atmosphere.
Of course, where Korda was particularly devastating in Gainesville was the par fives, with the 26-year-old going unbeaten on the longest holes on the golf course across the first two days. In fact, the US won all eight par fives which Korda played on Friday.
Nelly Korda reveals what frustrated her at the Kroger Queen City Championship
Korda finished in a tie for fifth at the Kroger Queen City Championship, with Lydia Ko running away with the title after a stunning 63 on Sunday. And speaking after her final round, the two-time major champion suggested that there was one aspect of her performance which frustrated her.
“Yeah, it was an interesting week for sure. I don’t think I had my best stuff, but played some solid golf here and there,” she said.
“Definitely didn’t capitalise on the par-5s. I had a lot of irons in my hands and came out with pars. A little disappointing there.
“Overall happy with the way I played coming off last week and my energy levels.”
The big difference between the world number one and Lydia Ko
As Korda suggests, it is hard to be too critical of her performance over the week, given how draining the Solheim Cup week clearly is. But the numbers do indeed suggest that not taking advantage of the par fives often enough proved costly to her hopes of winning.
Across the week, Korda played the longest holes in seven under par, with her best performance coming on Thursday as she made birdie on three of the four par fives.
Ko meanwhile, was 14 under par for the par fives, getting to five under par during her final round in Ohio.
Unsurprisingly, Korda is now set to take a few weeks off before the LPGA Tour heads to Asia. It is perhaps ominous for her rivals that she was able to put herself in the mix while she is in need of a real rest. Certainly, everyone saw earlier this year what Korda is capable of when she gets on a hot streak.
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