‘I Messed Up’ – Nelly Korda Breaks Down Where 2024 AIG Women’s Open Slipped Away

Nelly Korda, the World No.1, has admitted that two crucial mistakes during the AIG Women’s Open at the Old Course, St Andrews, cost her a potential third Major title.

Korda entered the par-5 14th hole with a two-shot lead, but her hopes took a hit when her fourth shot failed to reach the green, leaving her with a challenging par chip. She narrowly missed the chip, and her bogey putt veered right, resulting in a costly double bogey. This slip meant she needed an eagle on the 18th hole to force a playoff with eventual winner Lydia Ko, but she could only manage a par, finishing two shots behind.

This error on the 14th followed a similar collapse during the third round’s back nine, where Korda recorded three bogeys and a double bogey on the 16th hole. Reflecting on her performance, she said, “It’s golf. Mistakes happen, and unfortunately, I made crucial ones over the weekend. Those mistakes ultimately cost me the tournament, but I played well overall. I fought hard even after those errors, and I’ll carry that determination into upcoming events.”

Korda started the year strong, winning six of seven events, including the Chevron Championship, the first Major of the year. However, since missing the cut at June’s US Women’s Open, she has faced a rough patch. Despite this, her performance in Scotland has given her hope that she is regaining her form.

“Hindsight shows I played really well this week, and I’m optimistic that I’m heading in the right direction again,” Korda commented.

She was particularly satisfied with her putting after switching putters before the tournament, adding, “I made some good putts and overall putted really well this week. I also struck the ball well despite the challenging conditions.”

Korda is not competing in this week’s FM Championship on the LPGA Tour and will instead focus on preparing for her fourth Solheim Cup appearance, scheduled for September 13-15, after finishing at the top of the US points list.