Nelly Korda won the biggest title of her career over the weekend, beating the field at Riviera Country Club for a one-stroke victory at the US Women’s Open. But unlike many wins in her career, she didn’t seem completely in control of her swing all week.
Her stubbornly uncooperative swing was on display during her opening round of the championship Thursday afternoon, as she posted a two-over 73. In that opening stanza, Korda missed shots on the fairway with her approach game — a rarity for one of the best ball hitters in the game.
“I did really well from Monday to Wednesday, so I honestly have no idea where that came from,” she said. “So I’m going to the range.”
Her sister was with her at the training ground, six times LPGA winner Jessica. And as the pair searched the dirt for the missing ingredient in Korda’s swing, Jessica noticed something. Her sister’s grip seemed a little weak, her hand trailing too far on top of the shaft. In an attempt to correct that, she suggested tightening her grip and placing that trailing hand a little further down the shaft.
Grip changes are some of the most difficult changes you can make to your golf swing, and most pros avoid them at all costs. When you’re used to holding the club a certain way, even the slightest adjustment can send you into a spiral and can change the dynamics of your delivery quite aggressively if it’s not done right. But after a poor performance in the first round, Korda decided to give it a shot.
“I just keep putting it on top,” Kords said. “I felt really shocked today, but I just believed and went with it.”
The results were immediately visible. In the second round, Korda’s iron game returned to its previous form. She earned a shot at the field with her approach game, posting a 67 to put herself right back in the mix. She matched that number on Saturday to share a 54-hole lead heading into the final round at main position to get the title she wanted most.
“I think changing grip is one of the hardest things to do,” Korda said in a television interview after her round. “The trust level is definitely high with (Jessica). I know I can always count on her. She’s been there during my warm-ups and downs almost every day, so it’s been a great support system.”
Changing your grip mid-tournament was a risky move, and as a fellow golf pro, Jessica knew how uncomfortable the adjustment must have been. Shortly after wrapping up her one-hit victory, Korda met with the press and revealed that Jessica “could hardly sleep” at the thought of ruining her sister’s swing with advice.
In the end, the risky move paid off. Korda posted a final-round 69 on Sunday to hold off Charley Hull and Gabby Lopez, adding the biggest mark to her Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
