Nelly Korda went a different route this time, and she didn’t reach for the driver much, but it seemed to help.

The American golfer and world No. 1 started well at the Ford Championship in Chandler, Arizona, on Wednesday.

Korda is usually known for her power and attacking style, so it was a bit unusual to see her play it safer and use fairway woods more often. But on this day, that choice worked out.

But that's exactly what desert conditions at Whirlwind Golf Club pulled out of her.

"Unfortunately, this is a golf course you can't really take out driver," Nelly Korda said. "I'm hitting a lot of woods and having to play a little bit more conservative than my normal, typical aggressive play that I like to do."

The desert conditions add a layer of complexity that most courses don't have. Fairways bake out, greens get firm and fast. Spinning a wedge close becomes difficult, which means getting aggressive off the tee can actually leave harder shots in.

"Closer doesn't always mean that it's good." she said.

"Just because then you have a tricky pitch shot in where you can't get too much spin on it and get it to stop."

So, the 27-year-old laid back and picked her spots. Capitalized on the par-5s when shorter clubs gave her real looks at birdie. It was a disciplined, percentage-based round, not the Korda most fans are used to watching.

The Mental Edge Nelly Korda Says Is Driving Her Game in 2026

The strategic shift is only half the story. Ask Nelly Korda what's actually working right now, and she doesn't point to her ball-striking or her wedge game.

"I would say my attitude honestly," she said. "When I hit a bad shot, I try not to get too fazed by it. And try to find it again."

That composure is showing up on the scorecard, and she's not chasing. Not even forcing, just playing the shot in front of her.

Arizona helps, and Nelly Korda has competed here since her Epson Tour days, stays in the same housing every year, and genuinely enjoys the heat. This week, her mother is here. So is her sister Jessica Korda, who made her official return to competition at this event, something Nelly described as "amazing."

Korda is currently tied for 10th after finishing her round at 9-under par. Familiar surroundings, Calm mindset, Conservative strategy, and it's not the Korda formula anyone expected, but through one round, it's working.

What do you think about Nelly Korda's approach this week in Arizona? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Kalp Thaker