Andrea Lee didn’t hold back during her recent media appearance in Southern California. Speaking candidly, the American pro reflected on how the LPGA landscape has shifted—and why even a dominant player like Nelly Korda has found it tough to win this year. “It’s harder than ever to break into the winner’s circle,” Lee told KCAL News, a statement that rings true given the way the season has unfolded.
Just last year, Korda was unstoppable, racking up seven victories, including the Chevron Championship, and firmly establishing herself as the world’s number one. But in 2025, through ten starts, she hasn’t picked up a single win. The irony? Her numbers look even better. Her scoring average has improved to 69.57, and her Strokes Gained Total places her second on tour, behind only Jeeno Thitikul. She’s making every cut, but converting consistency into trophies has become elusive.
The reason lies in the depth of the field. This season alone, 17 tournaments have produced 17 different winners. Golfers from eight countries have claimed titles, with South Korea leading the pack. Six players celebrated their first-ever LPGA wins, while only a few proven champions added to their résumés. In such an unpredictable environment, even Korda’s proven formula can’t guarantee victories.
Lee, who knows Korda well from their Solheim Cup partnership, explained how different this season feels compared to 2024, when top stars could string together multiple wins. The parity now means anyone can seize the spotlight, turning the LPGA into one of the most competitive tours in recent memory.
Korda herself has admitted the challenge. “Every year is just so different,” she said recently—a philosophical outlook that shows her maturity despite the frustration of a winless run.
But competition isn’t the only hurdle. Korda has also battled nagging neck injuries since late 2024, which disrupted her preparation and even forced her to miss key events like the champions’ dinner at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She’s adjusted her routines to cope with the pain, yet the injury has limited her training. Still, she’s managed to remain world number one and contend strongly, including a runner-up finish at both the U.S. Women’s Open and the Tournament of Champions.
Her putting, however, has been a sticking point. Falling short in that crucial department has kept her from closing out tournaments.
Lee’s perspective sheds light on the bigger picture: women’s golf is experiencing a wave of new talent, and past dominance doesn’t guarantee present success. Korda’s season, though frustrating, underscores just how competitive the LPGA has become—and how quickly fortunes can shift, even for the game’s brightest stars.
