“Nelly Korda’s Unstoppable Run: Can She Make History at the US Open?”

Nelly Korda arrives at the most significant week on the women’s golf calendar as the strong favorite to win her first US Open title, having triumphed in six of her last seven tournaments. Her dominance over this period is remarkable: she has outperformed 883 competitors, with her only non-victory being a seventh-place finish. In these strokeplay events, she boasts an aggregate score of 74 under par.

In the world rankings, the points average gap between Korda and her closest rival, Lilia Vu, is greater than the margin between Vu and any other player in the rankings. This dominance is reminiscent of Tiger Woods at his peak and parallels Scottie Scheffler’s current supremacy in the men’s game.

Following Korda’s recent win at the Mizuho Americas Cup in New Jersey, PGA Tour player Michael Kim suggested on social media that Korda should be invited to compete in a PGA Tour tournament, highlighting her extraordinary performance. While past female golfers like Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie, and Lexi Thompson have participated in men’s events, Korda’s current form brings significant attention to women’s golf and sets a high benchmark for her peers.

Korda’s recent achievements elevate the women’s game, especially at this week’s US Open. As the top contender, she faces immense pressure at Lancaster Country Club in Philadelphia, but her track record suggests she can handle it. She enters this major after a week off, following her latest win at the Chevron Championship in Houston, where her technical skill led her to victory despite nerves.

Her main rival is Australia’s world number five, Hannah Green, the only other player to have won a tournament in which Korda has competed in the past four months. However, Green has never finished in the top 10 at a US Open. Other top players, such as Vu, who is dealing with a back injury, and Celine Boutier, have not performed well recently. Defending champion Allison Corpuz and other leading names like Ruoning Yin and Minjee Lee have also struggled.

Britain’s Charley Hull could pose a threat, having recently finished as runner-up at an event in Korea. However, Georgia Hall, another British contender, has not been competitive this year. Hall humorously noted that Korda’s absence from a recent tournament gave others a chance, underscoring Korda’s dominance, which Hall believes is beneficial for the sport.

Korda’s comparison to the best men’s golfers is irrelevant; what matters is her impact on elevating women’s golf, especially at the US Open. She shoulders the expectations of being the favorite but appears well-equipped to meet the challenge.