World No. 1 Nelly Korda faces possible expulsion from the Solheim Cup due to a racist message.

Gainesville, September 13, 2024– Nelly Korda, the top-ranked golfer in the world, has had a remarkable year in 2024. With six tournament victories under her belt, including her second Major title, Korda is relishing a successful season. However, there remains a significant milestone that has eluded her so far: a victory in the Solheim Cup. As the 19th edition of the women’s golf showdown gets underway at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Korda is determined to experience the thrill of leading the United States to a win in this prestigious team competition.

 

The United States, currently leading the Solheim Cup rivalry with a score of 10-7 and one drawn, faces a formidable European team. The Europeans have claimed the trophy in the last three Solheim Cups with narrow, dramatic victories: 14.5-13.5 at Gleneagles in 2019, 15-13 in Toledo, Ohio in 2021, and 14-14 as defending champions in 2023 at Finca Cortesin in Spain. Despite these close contests, the Europeans have managed to hold onto the trophy, which has left Korda and her American teammates with a palpable sense of unfinished business.

 

“I haven’t been on the winning side, but every experience I’ve had in the Solheim Cups has been amazing,” Korda said as she prepared for her fourth Solheim Cup appearance. The sense of unfulfilled potential weighs on her, driving her and her team to seek redemption.

 

Megan Khang, a fourth-time Solheim Cup starter, echoed Korda’s sentiments. The 2023 draw, in which the Cup remained with the Europeans, “leaves not necessarily the best taste in your mouth,” Khang admitted. She emphasized that the current US team is more determined than ever to secure victory and end the European streak.

 

Reflecting on her extraordinary season, Korda noted the significance of her six wins, which includes the Chevron Championship. Her winning streak of five consecutive tournaments was a feat matched only by legends Nancy Lopez in 1978 and Annika Sorenstam in 2004-05. Korda’s victories spanned from the Drive On Championship in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida, in January, to the Pak Se-ri and Ford championships in March, and included the LPGA Matchplay and Chevron titles in April, culminating with the Americas Open win in May.

 

“This year has kind of been a crazy year, Bradenton feels like a lifetime ago,” Korda said. Despite her exceptional individual success, she is now focused on a collective goal: performing for her country. “Whenever you get to wear the red, white, and blue and stars and stripes, there’s a different meaning to it. You’re playing not just for yourself, but for your captains, your teammates, and your country. There’s just nothing like it.”

 

Korda emphasized the importance of teamwork in the Solheim Cup, noting that her role is not just about leading due to her experience or world ranking, but also about fostering a unified team spirit. “I hope we can all come together as a team and just lean on each other, other than someone else leaning on maybe me because I have more experience or I’m the No. 1 player in the world,” she said.

 

The US team, which also includes world No. 2 Lilia Vu, Megan Khang, Allison Lee, and Lexi Thompson, will be guided by team captain Stacy Lewis for the second consecutive year. The team received a special boost when former US President Barack Obama, a member of the host course, attended the team dinner on September 9. His presence and encouragement added a motivational edge for the American golfers. “He knew all of our names too and he congratulated all of us on all of our success as well,” Korda shared.

 

Megan Khang was equally impressed by Obama’s visit, calling it “super cool” and highlighting the honor of having a past president attend their team dinner. “It’s pretty incredible. I know he plays out of here, so just the appreciation for the time he gave up to come see us is incredible,” Khang said.

 

The Washington area has been a lucky venue for the Korda family. Korda’s father, Petr Korda, won the Washington Open tennis title in 1992, and her brother, Sebastian Korda, clinched the same title in August. “We’ve definitely had some luck in the DC region. Hopefully, it all falls into place and we play some really good golf this week,” Korda remarked.

 

Korda also expressed her excitement about the growth of women’s golf since her older sister Jessica joined the LPGA Tour in 2011. “To see the growth in the game and not even just purses, but just interest from fans and other companies to invest in women’s golf has been amazing,” she said. She believes that the sport is trending in the right direction and hopes that continued investment will further enhance the game.

 

As the Solheim Cup begins, the US team, fueled by Korda’s outstanding form and a collective drive to win, is poised for a thrilling competition against the European challengers.