Nelly Korda is finding her form again in 2026, but she isn't taking it for granted. After a strong start to the season, the golf superstar is embracing humility. She explained how the game 'slips away from you' just when you think you have it figured out.

“I mean, golf is a funny game. Last year it was just, last week it was a birdiefest, right? This week, you're struggling to make par, grinding out here," Korda said at the Aramco Championship.

"So it's definitely encouraging and great momentum, but from what I've learned with the game is you have to be really humble and happy for where you are right now,” said Nelly Korda during the press conference on Saturday.

Nelly Korda’s 2025 season followed her seven-win run in 2024, but the results did not repeat in the same way. She played 20 events on the LPGA Tour and did not record a win, even while remaining in contention across tournaments.

Since returning, she has finished runner-up in back-to-back starts. At the Fortinet Founders Cup, she finished one shot behind Hyo Joo Kim. Six days later at the Ford Championship, she again placed second behind the same player.

She now holds the world no. 2 position, near the top of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, just behind Jeeno Thitikul.

Nelly Korda on staying in contention and learning from each round

“After every tournament I come to my coach or putting coaches, and I ask where we can improve, what I can do better,” said Korda.

"She works with three coaches as part of that process. Jamie Mulligan continues to guide her full swing, following a system that keeps her approach consistent. 

Alongside that, David Whelan, who has coached her since her early years, remains involved in her setup. She spent time with him in Florida ahead of the 2026 season, working on posture and fundamentals, while he also supports her short game.

For putting, she works with Eric Dietrich, with whom she began working in late 2023. With his input, she made changes to her grip and putter, bringing a clearer structure to her routine on the greens.

“And that's just the game of golf. Just like when you feel like you have it, then it kind of slips away from you. I feel like you have to be really grateful for being in contention, being in another final group maybe on a Sunday,” added the 16-time LPGA tour winner. 

She carded a 3-under 69 in the third round to move to 5-under overall, placing her two shots behind Lauren Coughlin heading into the final round.

Do you think Nelly Korda is close to turning these near wins into another victory?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi