Nelly Korda says she really struggled with one part of her game after missing the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open

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World number one Nelly Korda has claimed she was really struggling with one part of her game after missing the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open.

Lancaster Golf Club in Pennsylvania has proven a stern test for the world’s best players, with Wichanee Meechai leading the way on four under.

For Korda, the damage was done on the 12th hole during round one after the American carded a ten on the now-notoriously tricky par three.

Despite making three consecutive birdies on her front nine on day two, the 25-year-old failed to make up ground on the back and finished with a bogey on the 18th.

Nelly Korda really frustrated with one part of her game

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In a brief chat with the press after her second round on Friday, the pre-tournament favourite admitted she was really struggling off the tee.

“I wasn’t hitting my shots well off the tee,” Korda explained. “I really struggled off the tee this week. Just wasn’t getting it close. The majority of my holes, I was saving pars. It was kind of tough out here trying to get into the cut line.”

Despite the obvious disappointment, Korda managed to crack a smile when asked about her long par save during her second visit to the 12th hole on Friday.

“It’s definitely not one of my favourite holes,” she added. “I actually hit my iron shot really bad. I hit it chunky, and thankfully it held up.

“I actually thought I missed the putt, and the golf gods kind of made it go to the left, and I made it. It was nice to make a par. I wanted to make a birdie to get my revenge on that hole, but par will do.”

U.S. Open lives up to its reputation at Lancaster Golf Club

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The U.S. Open typically provides the sternest test of golf, and Lancaster’s reputation as a traditional venue will go from strength to strength this week.

The 12th hole has become the talk of the golfing world after Korda’s nightmarish start to her championship.

On day one, Rose Zhang saw her approach spin 15 yards back into the water. Lexi Thompson needed three chips to land her ball on the green, and the less said about Korda’s attempt, the better. With a scoring average of 3.620, the USGA might look to incorporate a devilish par three into their thinking for the men’s open at Pinehurst No.2.

Those who missed the cut at Lancaster will be far from pleased, and with just four players under par, whoever takes the title on Sunday evening will have certainly done it the hard way.