For Justin Thomas, who hadn’t registered a single win in almost three years until the 2025 RBC Heritage, he couldn’t help but tell himself to be “very, very hard on myself.” Of course, when that win finally came, it didn’t come easily. Aside from the playoff match with Andrew Novak, he faced a one-stroke penalty for causing his ball to shift on the second hole during the third round. The pressure was immense, especially with the knowledge that “everyone’s hoping you’d win or, at least, contend.” Yet, for a golfer who believes that “winning is really, really hard,” his approach during tough times doesn’t seem to convince LPGA star, Nelly Korda.
Nelly Korda tackles the sport and its pressures by focusing on having “fun” during tense moments. Ahead of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, she said, “I’ve experienced all weather already and it’s just Wednesday.” While she recognizes the importance of preparing from Monday to Wednesday, she points out that it really comes down to the weather and taking it one shot at a time, reminding everyone to stay present. She added, “It’s just a little bit more creative and for me that’s fun to do. So I will have a lot of fun with it.”
Will that same mindset help her deal with mental pressure at the U.S. Women’s Open? Candidly, Korda replied, “Not necessarily, I don’t try and think about it. Definitely when you’re a higher ranked player or you’re more popular there is more pressure on you just from outside perspective when it comes to media, fans coming out it to watch you play. If you want to feel it, you will feel it, but I think what’s really important is just kind of sticking to your game plan and being really focused on what you’re doing present time, and that’s really helped me.”
So, how does the World No. 1 star deal with mental pressure during the games? Let’s take another example: It comes from one of her performances in 2024. Nelly Korda showcased her ability to handle mental pressure during the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship when she entered a playoff after bogeying the last two holes. After signing her scorecard, she vented to her coach, Jamie Mulligan, who encouraged her to shift to a positive mindset. Korda said, “It’s nice to kind of let it out and to refocus again.” This quick emotional release helped her view the playoff as a clean slate: “We’re both starting at even and we’re playing head-to-head. Best one wins.”
Nelly Korda talks Erin Hills and her preparations ahead of the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally.
Listen to the full press conference here pic.twitter.com/xXZ7rqNwfQ
— U.S. Women’s Open (@uswomensopen) May 27, 2025
Dr. Deborah Graham, a sports psychologist, emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and then moving on. She explains the “Stockton Rule,” which gives athletes two seconds to react to a bad shot before shifting their focus. Korda’s ability to vent and then refocus exemplifies this principle, allowing her to overcome her earlier mistakes and win the playoff. However, when Nelly Korda finally tees off at Erin Hills, she will be battling it out with more than one goal in her mind.
Nelly Korda will be playing at Erin Hills with more than one goal in her mind
On May 25, 2025, Nelly Korda announced her participation in a fundraiser for breast cancer during the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open, which starts on May 29. She is partnering with Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, to support efforts aimed at ending breast cancer and providing vital resources to those affected by the disease.
In collaboration with Tokio Marine HCC, a prominent specialty insurer, Korda’s fundraising initiative will feature significant donations tied to her performance during the tournament. For every birdie she makes, Tokio Marine HCC will donate $5,000, and for each eagle, the donation will increase to $10,000. Additionally, if Korda scores a hole-in-one, the donation will rise to $25,000. The company has also set substantial bonuses for her overall performance, including $100,000 if she wins by three strokes, $500,000 for a four-stroke victory, and $1 million for winning by five or more strokes.
Korda shared her announcement and the details of the fundraiser on her Instagram, emphasizing her commitment to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research while competing in one of the biggest women’s golf tournaments of the year.
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