"I Haven't Done Research at All": Nelly Korda Explains Her Unique Prep Approach While Caddie and Coach Study Course

Jun 3, 2026, 10:52 AM CUT

RIVIERA MAYA OPEN AT MAYAKOBA 2026 RIVIERA MAYA OPEN AT MAYAKOBA 2026 ROUND 4 03052026 PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QUINTANA ROO. Action photo of Nelly Korda of the USA, champion of the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba 2026 at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Foto de accion de Nelly Korda de Estados Unidos, campeona del torneo Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba 2026 celebrado en el Club de Golf El Camaleon en Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Photo by IMAGENSHOP AGENCIA FOTOGRAFICA PLAYA DEL CARMEN QUINTANA ROO MEXICO *** RIVIERA MAYA OPEN AT MAYAKOBA 2026 RIVIERA MAYA OPEN AT MAYAKOBA 2026 ROUND 4 03052026 PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QUINTANA ROO Action photo of Nelly Korda of the USA, champion of the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba 2026 at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico Action photo of Nelly Korda of the USA, champion of the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba 2026 held at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico Photo by IMAGENSHOP AGENCIA FOTOGRAFICA PLAYA DEL CARMEN QUINTANA ROO MEXICO Copyright: xISABELAxQUIROZx

World No. 1 Nelly Korda is looking forward to adding another title to her tally at the U.S. Women’s Open. However, she chooses to be mentally fresh rather than collecting tons of data to prepare for the event.

Unlike other golfers who spend many hours analyzing every aspect of the play at the Riviera Country Club, Korda has an alternative approach. She leaves the task of doing research to her entourage.

"If I'm being honest, I haven't done research at all," Korda said during the media session at Pacific Palisades. "I don't necessarily watch too much golf."

The historic venue is hosting the prestigious major championship this week. Korda's surprising revelation came during the pre-tournament presser when she was asked about her specific preparation strategy for tackling the challenging layout.

Instead of using yardage books, she turns to her coach, Jamie Mulligan, who went with her on a course trip to share all the important information.

Her caddie, Jason McDede, also did plenty of research to help with each day's planning. She believes that too much information may become a liability to her.

Continuing Her Dominant Formula on the Major Stage

Her unique strategy has led to amazing consistency on the LPGA Tour, where, in only seven appearances so far this season, she has won three titles and placed second thrice.

The season started with an impressive three-stroke victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, setting an excellent precedent for her play.

After that, she was able to achieve three consecutive runner-up places at the Founders Cup and at the Ford Championship and a tie for second place at the Aramco Championship.

In the season's first major, she delivered a spectacular wire-to-wire victory at the Chevron Championship, finishing at 18-under. She backed that up immediately by winning the Riviera Maya Open by four strokes.

Not even her worst finish of the season was anything less than consistent. Even at the Kroger Queen City Championship, Korda tied for eighth at the Maketewah Country Club.

"I just come out here with a plan, and I execute it," Korda explained when discussing her strategic shift.

Knowing that she can rely on her skills and leave all the research to the team, Korda keeps herself fully refreshed. Riviera will test her layout strategy as she chases another historic milestone.

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Ankita Yadav