Nearly three weeks after dropping from the top of the world rankings following the AIG Women’s Open, Nelly Korda has finally shared her thoughts on the change. For the 26-year-old, it wasn’t just a numbers game — the end of her 17-month reign as World No. 1 was a defining moment in her season. As she prepares for the CPKC Women’s Open in Ontario, Korda reflected on the pressure of losing her position and how she plans to move forward.
Returning to the event for the first time since 2023, Korda was asked if this could be the week she ends her winless streak and begins the climb back to No. 1. But she insists rankings aren’t her focus. Instead, she’s zeroing in on steady play and trusting her process.
“I never think like, ‘I need to get back to No. 1.’ I just want to play good golf, be in contention on Sundays,” Korda said. “I’ve worked hard on every part of my game, and when I look at the stats, some of them are even better than last year. It’s crazy.”
Korda hasn’t won a single event this year — a stark contrast to her dominant seven-win season in 2024. Yet, her numbers tell a different story. She currently averages 69.87 per round, nearly identical to last year’s 69.56, and ranks second on tour for scoring average, exactly where she was at this time a year ago.
Despite the lack of trophies, Korda’s consistency has been remarkable. She’s made the cut in all 13 events she’s entered and earned five top-10 finishes. Compared to last year, her performance in some areas has even improved. “That’s golf,” she shrugged. “Last year by now I had six wins, this year I have none — but my stats are better. The key is sticking to the process and putting yourself in contention.”
Her season so far shows exactly that. From her runner-up finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions to strong showings like her tie for second at the U.S. Women’s Open, Korda has remained a constant presence near the top of leaderboards. Wins may be missing, but her results underline that it’s only a matter of time.
Holding the No. 1 ranking for more than 70 weeks is an achievement few can match. For Korda, the pride is obvious — but so is her gratitude. “It’s an amazing accomplishment. I’ve held it a couple of times, and while I’m the one hitting the shots, I wouldn’t have done it without my team,” she said.
Even so, she doesn’t dwell on what she’s lost. “That’s just golf, that’s sports. Things change all the time. All you can do is control the work you put in,” she reflected.
Her calm, process-driven approach has kept her one of the most consistent performers on tour. And though the rankings may shift, Korda knows resilience and patience are what will ultimately bring her back to the top.
