Nelly Korda tries to record sixth consecutive LPGA victory at the 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup

The 2024 Chevron Championship feels like the end for Nelly Korda. Just a few weeks ago, Korda won her second major and fifth straight tournament, tied with Annika Sorenstam (2004-05) and Nancy Lopez (1978), who accomplished the same feat. on one’s own. Except, maybe it shows no signs at all. Maybe that’s just the beginning.

Korda attempts a record sixth straight win this week at the 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey. It will be her first time teeing off since winning the Chevron Championship, and she will appear with a fresh look (unusual in the golf world) at the tournament. Met Gala.

She spoke at length about that moment Wednesday during her news conference, calling it the fulfillment of a dream.

A year ago at this event, Korda missed the cut when Jin Young Ko beat Minjee Lee in a playoff after both finished at 13 under. A year later, Korda has not lost to a golfer since the Round The NFL playoffs (yes, the 2023-24 NFL Playoffs) begin in January. Key? Simple golf.

“Obviously when I’m home, I definitely practice more and try to work on technique,” ​​Korda said. “When I’m here, the way I keep things simple is not to overdo it: go out, see the golf course, work with my caddy, choose a game plan, and that’s it.

“I think I was too busy coming here before and thought I need to do a little more as I’ve finished my work to participate in this event and it’s time to just look at my photos and do them. That’s how I tried to simplify it.”

How long can this continue?

“Well, the old saying is, ‘It’s when you least expect it,’” Pat Bradley said at the Cognizant Founders Cup earlier this week. “Nelly won’t be coming here 31 times in his career.” when you least expect it. All eyes were on her. It will be very difficult. This will be a challenge for Nelly.”

It may be to Korda’s advantage – who said she has mostly slept and relaxed over the past few weeks – that she is now free from the pressure and attention of her first major of the year.

“I’m sure she can’t wait for the bell to ring and get inside those ropes and be able to concentrate like she does,” Bradley added. “But now, it’s going to be interesting.

“I mean to see her at the Met Gala, it was amazing. She’s really beautiful, and just so — I was so proud to see this young lady among all these famous people, and she did it amazingly, like she is. She’s just a very talented and amazing young lady. What a role model we have to follow to grow our game .”

In his bid for his sixth straight LPGA Tour win, Sorenstam finished T12 at the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill. She then won three of her next four matches. Lopez attempted a fifth place finish her rookie year in 1978. She lost heavily to none other than Bradley but said the experience was a great one.

“For me it was fun. I liked the pressure and liked the attention when I was young,” Lopez told Golf Digest. “I attended a lot of press conferences and played a lot of golf, probably when I didn’t want to. I was tired but really happy.”

Korda didn’t seem to be having much fun during the Chevron Championship, so perhaps this week will be a little lighter. Then again, if she wins on Saturday or Sunday and is at or near the top, the pressure will be intense and she will once again try to cross the finish line.

Luckily for her, she’s been doing quite well lately.