After having a whirlwind of a year, Nelly Korda is wrapping it up by playing in the PNC Championship. It is undoubtedly a special occasion for the 25-year-old, who, after a roller coaster ride in 2023, gets to end the year with her father, Petr Korda, by her side on the course.
Korda’s rise and fall throughout the year have been a matter of debate among critics. After Team USA failed to bring home the trophy, even her Solheim Cup performance came under scrutiny from many. Following such chaotic times just months ago, having the support of her father by her side undoubtedly has natural healing effects. And, as was proven recently, he is a pillar of strength for her!
Petr Korda serves as the emotional support system for his daughter after a tough year
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Petr Korda himself is a celebrated athlete. The former Czech tennis player has been one of the biggest names in the sport in Europe. In his career, Petr has undoubtedly gone through many challenges; hence, he understands the dilemma of all of his children, who are brilliant athletes themselves. And as his recent interview made clear, he also sympathizes with Nelly’s Solheim Cup defeat.
During the PNC Championship presser on Thursday, Nelly was asked about her Solheim Cup defeat. To ease Nelly’s dilemma, Petr answered for her, “You learn from defeat quite a lot. You learn how to handle it, maybe next time better with your nerves and because it was very stressful.”
Adding on to her dad’s wise words, the LPGA star claimed that she appreciated both her highs and lows. She stated that she believed in taking a step back and making sure to learn from her falls. “I’m sure that’s not going to be the last time something like that is going to happen because you can’t control much in sports,” said Nelly boldly.
The topic of the prestegious international event also prompted Korda Sr. to sing praises of the European side. “Hat’s off to the European team for closing the way they closed.” And it’s clear that the younger Korda sister gets her sportsmanship from her dad, for she too had loads of appreciation for the wholesome talent of her rivals despite the devastating loss!
Nelly Korda is all praise for her Solheim opponent, Leona Maguire
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Despite their best efforts, all Team USA could manage at the Solheim Cup this year was a draw, which resulted in the defending champions, a.k.a., the European side, keeping the trophy. And while that loss is undoubtedly still heartbreaking to think about, it didn’t stop Korda from praising her European counterparts this week, especially Leona Maguire, who went up against Rose Zhang in the MatchPlay on Sunday and beat her 4&3.
“She is such a good match-play player. When you play her, you’re like, How is she not winning every week?” said the LPGA star, citing clearly that Team Europe had earned their win. “She’s draining putts from all over the green. She is a very, very good player.”
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2023 is the third time that Nelly is playing in the PNC Championship. She made her debut with her father in 2021 and returned last year too, when the duo tied for fifth place! Undoubtedly, the two athletes will be looking for a win this year. Tune in to see if they find it!
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