The Solheim Cup’s first tee is pure electric energy—more rock concert than golf. Before sunrise, fans flood the grandstands, waving flags and chanting “USA! USA!” to booming music. It’s a party atmosphere, and the players love it—high-fiving, dancing, and hyping the crowd before the first shot is even struck. It’s passion, precision, and pageantry all in one unforgettable moment.
Although it didn’t become an instant tradition, Alcott’s repeat win in 1991 solidified the celebratory jump as a hallmark of the tournament, setting the stage for future winners to follow suit. Over the years, the tradition has evolved, with winners enthusiastically jumping into the pond with their trophies and loved ones. The tradition has continued to thrive even after the tournament shifted to its new home, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.
Lilia Vu kept the tradition alive in 2023, jumping into the pond after her win despite discovering a snake in the nearby 17th hole pond a day earlier. Vu’s excitement and adrenaline fueled her decision to take the plunge, saying, “I think the emotions were high and just adrenaline; I got to jump into that pond.” Her enthusiasm was evident as she had even planned the jump with her caddie during the practice round. As the Chevron Championship approaches in 2024, fans are eagerly waiting to see if the tradition will continue.
Given the legacy and excitement surrounding the pond jump, it’s likely that this year’s champion will follow in Vu’s footsteps and take the iconic leap, and it seems the defending champion is ready to do that as she did last year. Nelly Korda’s 2024 Chevron Championship win was a highlight of her impressive year, but it’s not the trophy or the victory that she remembers most fondly. Instead, it’s the fun moment she shared with her team when she jumped into the iconic pond at the venue after her win. This beloved tradition is a cherished part of the tournament, and Korda thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“I had quite a chilly jump in the pond at the end,” Korda recalled. “Probably my best memory was jumping into the pond with my entire team. I think that was just a really cool moment for us.” With all the hype surrounding her potential fifth consecutive win, the moment was made even sweeter. Korda cherished the thrill of the cold water and the camaraderie with her team, saying it was “just so much fun” after all the hard work and anticipation, and is now ready to defend her title.
Nelly Korda’s fresh start at the Chevron Championship
Nelly Korda is no stranger to the feeling of starting fresh, and as she prepares to defend her title at the Chevron Championship, she’s well aware that her impressive run of five straight LPGA Tour victories last year, including this major, means little in the present moment. One of her top opponents, Lilia Vu, the 2023 Chevron champ, is back to take the prize after missing the 2024 event due to a back injury. Then, World No. 3 Lydia Ko may be bouncing back from a recent neck spasm, but with 23 LPGA titles and a Hall of Fame spot already locked in, she’s still a major threat.
So, while Korda looks back on her career year in 2024 with pride, earning her the Rolex Player of the Year award, her focus is firmly on the present. “What I achieved last year, no one can take that from me,” she said, acknowledging the past successes while emphasizing the need to perform in the current tournament. Despite her best efforts, Korda’s game hasn’t quite matched up with last season’s dominance, and she’s been working to regain her form.
Korda’s been making progress, particularly with her iron play, which she’s felt better about lately. However, her putting has been a challenge, and she’s aware. “Just need my putter to click a little bit more to make those putts,” she said, highlighting the area she needs to improve. With a strong field at the Chevron Championship, including Lilia Vu and Lydia Ko, Korda knows she’ll need to be on point to succeed.
Yet, she’s not worried, drawing on past experiences where she’s navigated similar ups and downs. “That’s just golf,” she said with confidence. “I’ve gone through waves like this before, and if I just continue working at it, hopefully, it’ll click.” Can Korda find her form at this tournament and make a strong run? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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