Love for Life Drives Korda in Bid for a Fourth Win at The ANNIKA

By Doug Milne

BELLEAIR, Fla. - When Nelly Korda showed up for The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican last year, she was seeking her third win at the event, seventh of the season and 15th overall on the LPGA Tour.

Following victories at Pelican Golf Club in 2021 and ‘22, Korda combined last year for a 14-under 266 total and three-stroke win. By doing so, the 27-year-old Bradenton, Fla., native became the first player to win seven times in a single season on the LPGA since Yani Tseng in 2011 and the first American to achieve the feat since Beth Daniel won seven times in 1990.

When the defending champion arrived on site this week, she did so still in search of her first win of the season. On one hand, a recurring neck injury sustained last year provided a discouraging note. But on the other hand, it been a motivating factor that has brought her a lot of clarity.

“I learned a lot about myself and injuries through my blood clot, because I was feeling the symptoms for about three weeks before I actually went to see the doctor,” Korda admitted. “I went to the ER. If I listened to my body right then and there, that would've been three weeks of time I saved. Instead, I thought maybe it was just something weird, like sleeping weird. But now, I'm a little bit more in tune with my body. I may have to sacrifice a tournament, but in the long run, it's probably better that I'm doing that.”

With that 2024 neck injury rearing its head again to an extent this season, Korda has made the care and well-being of her neck and body priority No. 1. The result of that has been fewer tournament starts of late.

“I put the clubs away for almost three weeks,” she said, speaking of her recent past. “I was doing two days in the gym, with a lot of neck rehab. I was doing a lot of strength training to make sure my injury is really protected.”

Not only does that kind of commitment make for a stronger body, but it also results in a sharper mind. And in a game like golf, a sound mind is as vital as anything physical.

“I can control what I can control, not what other competitors are doing,” Korda said. “The only thing I can control is how much effort I put into each and every day, how I try and execute my shots. It has definitely been a weird year, but it's just sports. It's golf. You can't expect to win. But you can expect to put 100 percent into things like your body, your routine and your practice. That's what I can and will control.”

In Wednesday’s pro-am, Korda was arguably the second-most popular name sending balls into the air. Joining Nelly for the second year in a row in the pro-am was Indiana Fever point guard and WNBA sensation, Caitlin Clark.

“She's great and so fun to be around,” said Korda. “It's so cool to see how many people she brings to a different sport, how many fans she has and how much of the needle she moves. She’s just so laid back and chill. She enjoys everything she does.”

Not only was Korda grateful for the “Caitlin Clark Effect” unraveling at an event in which she has enjoyed so much success, but she also drew inspiration and comfort from this week being somewhat of a home game.

“I just feel comfortable out here,” Korda said of Pelican Golf Club. “Having my family and friends in the crowd – and playing on the kind of turf I grew up on – really does give me a high level of comfort.”     

In addition to the convenience of a close-to-home event, the time, effort and work the Doyle’s and all others involved put into this event for her and the rest of the field is even more special.

“The Doyles have done an amazing job from the start of this event to what it is right now, especially with Annika alongside,” Korda said. “From a player experience, it's gotten better every year. Every year, the golf has gotten a little tougher. The golf course is impeccable, and I know that's their number one priority.”

Without question, Korda is teeing it up this week with hopes for a “W.” But, as one grounded by an appreciation for life that significantly outweighs any golf tournament’s finishing spot, Korda has already created for herself a very enviable position.

“I enjoy everything I do. I love the life I live,” she said. “Obviously, sometimes with travel and everything, you can get a little run down. But, that's why you go home for a week and recharge your batteries, spend time around the people you love the most. There is nothing better than this. I love all of this so much.”