A New Mental Framework
HOUSTON — Stability has long been the hallmark of Nelly Korda’s career. By maintaining a consistent support team, the world's second-ranked player has typically remained grounded. However, following a winless 2025 season, Korda recognized that some internal adjustments were necessary to reignite her competitive fire.
Korda arrived at this year's first major with a fresh perspective, focusing on resilience rather than perfection. «I think this year I just wanted to have a different mindset change of if I get into trouble, I’ll figure it out,» Korda noted following her second round at the Chevron Championship. «There are times where I’ve had that and now I’m like, I’ll figure it out. So that’s my biggest takeaway from last year and the years before. I don’t want to have that mindset. I want to be like, okay, I’ll figure it out and not stress myself out too much.»
Record-Breaking Performance in Houston
This shift in philosophy has translated into elite performance at Memorial Park. After an opening-round 65, Korda maintained her momentum on Friday. Her 36-hole total of 14-under par marks a career-best for the golfer in a major championship. Her seven-stroke lead is also the largest margin in the history of the Chevron Championship after two rounds.
Korda’s ability to maximize her length on the course's five par-5s, which she has played at 7-under total, has been a significant advantage. Furthermore, her willingness to avoid unnecessary risks shows a newfound maturity. Rather than chasing every pin, she has opted for safer, more strategic lines, choosing to bounce back from mistakes rather than succumbing to the pressure of perfection.
Strategic Refinements on the Green
Beyond her mental adjustments, Korda addressed a specific hurdle in her game: putting. Seeking improvement, she consulted renowned coach Phil Kenyon late last year, who advised a transition from a "left-hand low" grip back to a conventional style. To maintain this progress, Korda began working with David Angelotti, who has provided a more structured approach to her practice.
«What we really work on is the simple stuff: Reading the greens; starting it over my start target,» Korda explained. «He’s finally someone that’s giving my putting practice a sense of structure. Everything I do is very structured with him. I feel like there is no gray area.»
With her putter performing reliably and her confidence at an all-time high, Korda enters the weekend as the clear favorite. While she acknowledges the challenges ahead, she remains focused on the process that put her in this dominant position.