Nelly Korda Opens Up About a Critical Shortcoming at the Kroger Queen City Championship—What Went Wrong? 

After the dust had settled from the intense showdown at the Solheim Cup, where Nelly Korda played a starring role, few could have predicted that she’d follow it up with a fifth-place finish at the Kroger Queen City Championship. With the weight of her Solheim Cup performances still fresh on everyone’s minds, Korda’s ability to regroup and place herself so high up the leaderboard was commendable. However, the world number one wasn’t completely satisfied with her performance, and her own post-round reflections revealed a source of frustration that kept her from contending for the win.

Nelly Korda was nothing short of electric at the Solheim Cup. She ignited Team USA’s hopes by dominating her early matches, securing three wins in a row. Her unmatched play on the par fives helped swing the momentum in favor of the American squad. Her energy was palpable, as she embraced the wild atmosphere, dancing her way to the first tee in her singles match against Charley Hull. Korda’s relentless performance on the longest holes of the course—going unbeaten on par fives—was a key storyline. But at the Kroger Queen City Championship, just days later, that same brilliance was missing, and Korda wasn’t shy about expressing her disappointment.

Korda’s Post-Round Revelation: A Missed Opportunity on Par Fives

Nelly Korda finished tied for fifth in Ohio, trailing Lydia Ko, who delivered a sensational 63 on Sunday to clinch the title. For most observers, Korda’s performance seemed strong, especially given the fatigue that often accompanies playing in back-to-back tournaments. But in her post-round interview, Korda admitted that there was one glaring aspect of her game that left her feeling frustrated—her play on the par fives.

“Yeah, it was an interesting week for sure,” Korda began. “I don’t think I had my best stuff, but played some solid golf here and there.” She then went on to highlight the area that let her down. “Definitely didn’t capitalize on the par fives. I had a lot of irons in my hands and came out with pars. A little disappointing there.”

Korda’s words offer a glimpse into the meticulous standards she sets for herself. For someone as talented as Korda, those missed opportunities on the par fives were significant. After all, these are often the scoring holes that allow the top players to separate themselves from the field. And while her overall game was solid, her inability to take full advantage of the longer holes stood out as the key reason she didn’t finish higher.

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Korda’s Struggles Compared to Ko’s Dominance

The par fives often serve as the barometer for a player’s chances of victory, and the statistics from the Kroger Queen City Championship make it clear why Korda fell short of the top spot. Over the course of the week, Korda played the par fives in seven under par. On paper, that may sound impressive, but when compared to Lydia Ko’s remarkable performance, the difference is stark. Ko played the par fives in a staggering 14 under par, including a final round where she carded five under on those key holes. This discrepancy essentially defined the gap between Korda’s fifth-place finish and Ko’s runaway victory.

On Thursday, Korda looked poised to capitalize on the par fives, making birdies on three of the four. But as the week progressed, she couldn’t maintain that level of play, leaving her frustrated with the missed chances.

What’s Next for Korda? A Much-Needed Break Before a Critical Run.

Despite the frustration, Korda’s performance in Cincinnati is nothing to scoff at. In fact, it could serve as a warning for her competitors. Even without her best game—and after a draining Solheim Cup week—Korda still managed to finish in the top five. For most players, that would be considered a great success. But for Korda, it’s a clear signal that her expectations are set much higher.

As she prepares for a well-deserved break, Korda’s rivals should take note. Once rested, the world number one could be even more dangerous. Her ability to contend while battling fatigue and less-than-perfect play speaks to her remarkable consistency. Earlier this season, Korda showed just how dominant she can be when she finds her rhythm, and with a run of big tournaments looming on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her get back into the winner’s circle soon.

 

When the LPGA Tour heads to Asia in a few weeks, Korda will likely return refreshed, refocused, and ready to put the lessons from Cincinnati behind her. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Nelly Korda, it’s that she doesn’t stay down for long. Her ability to analyze her game, adjust, and come back stronger is what makes her one of the most formidable forces in women’s golf.

 

The question now is: how long will it be before Korda finds herself back on top? Given her recent form, it may only be a matter of time.