Nelly Korda Credits Sister Jessica for U.S. Women's Open Revival, After Round 2 Struggles
Sep 4, 2021; Toledo, Ohio, USA; Nelly Korda (left) and Jessica Korda (right) of Team USA fist bump on the eleventh green during the morning foursomes of the 2021 Solheim Cup at Inverness Club. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Toledo, Ohio, USA; Nelly Korda (left) and Jessica Korda (right) of Team USA fist bump on the eleventh green during the morning foursomes of the 2021 Solheim Cup at Inverness Club. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
World No. 1 Nelly Korda was nowhere near her best during the opening round of the U.S. Women's Open. That's when elder sister Jessica Korda stepped in to bring her back to her usual high standards.
Korda's first-round performance featured four bogeys and two birdies as she ended up with a score of 2-over 73. Outside the top 50, the Chevron Championship winner had to switch something up.
"Actually, a big shout out to my sister because she helped me," said Korda.
A range session with elder sister Jessica turned things around for Nelly as she shot five birdies and just one bogey as she eliminated the struggles from the first round.
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 26: LPGA, Golf Damen golfer Nelly Korda plays her tee shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on March 26, 2026, at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 26 LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603261
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 26: LPGA, Golf Damen golfer Nelly Korda plays her tee shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass on March 26, 2026, at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 26 LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603261
"I just tried to strengthen my grip a little bit. I've been grinding on it for five weeks and I can't get it. I don't know what I'm doing in my swing, so I just tried to strengthen my grip. It felt super funky today, but I just trusted it and went with it," she added.
The grip adjustment proved the turning point for Korda's comeback.
Korda came back into contention after scoring the lowest round on Friday. The 27-year-old shot a 4-under-par 67, climbing into a tie for ninth place and moving to within two shots of the halfway lead.
"I still hit a few out right today, but it was much, much better," Korda added. "Got a little bit of something going."
Korda will be aiming to continue the momentum she gained in the second round. The 18-time LPGA winner is in pursuit of her fourth major, and her sister Jessica has put her back in the hunt.
But Korda's climb puts pressure on the leaders.
Korda Chases Yin and Lee After Round 2 Surge
At the end of the second round, China's Ruoning Yin and America's Alison Lee shared the lead at 4-under par.
"It's a major, it's tough," said Yin. "I think everybody is aware of that. All I need to do is just stay patient because I know my game is right there."
Yin scored a bogey-free second round of 69. On the other hand, Lee is fighting for her first win on the LPGA Tour.
"I still have yet to win on the LPGA Tour. That's been my biggest goal since turning pro," said Lee.
The American shot four birdies and a lone bogey to stay at the top and remain in the quest for a breakthrough win on the tour.
Moreover, opening-round leader Jennifer Kupcho dropped into a six-way tie for third place. World No. 1 Korda is right behind her as she looks for her second major of the year.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav