Despite Their Fierce Rivalry, Nelly Korda Graciously Crowns the Best Golfer in the World

Nelly Korda is all set to take to the greens once more on June 22. After over a month now, the World No. 2 will make a comeback to professional competition at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The competitive playing field for the tournament has already been set, as has Korda’s determination after a good recovery.

As per tradition, the star attended a pre-tournament press conference. Among the diverse questions, one, in particular, inquired about the golfer’s personal opinion. The answer Korda provided sure was surprising, given how competitive the game of golf is. However, it also proved that golf is more than just vying; it promotes upliftment, support, and encouragement.

Nelly Korda opens up about the current best golfer in women’s golf

Sports need not turn into ugly battlegrounds; they can provide an opportunity to represent true sportsmanship. That is, value the principles of integrity, improvement, and inspiration. All three attributes were showcased by Nelly Korda during her press conference this week. When one of the reporters questioned Korda about her opinion on the current best female golfer, the star replied honestly.

Based on the statistics, Korda replied, “We’ve had a lot of really good golfers, a lot of really — I think Jin Young Ko, she’s won twice this year, right, so if you’re just going off statistics, I would say Jin Young.”

It is true that for a couple of LPGA Tour events now, the 24-year-old has been out of the tournament because of her back injury. Between this time and now, a lot of things have happened. One such thing has been the rise of Jin Young Ko to World No. 1 once more. This accomplishment came after Ko’s win at the Cognizant Founders Cup, which was also Korda’s last professional appearance prior to this week.

Prior to that, the Koran professional also won at the 2023 HSBC Women’s Champions, where she defeated none other than Korda in Singapore.

Giving the topic more thought, Korda included Rose Zhang’s name as well and said that she has one for one. The question really seemed to have put her in a fix, as there were many great golfers, as per World No. 2. She also added Minjee Lee’s and Leona Maguire’s names. But, ultimately, it was Jin Young who, according to the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship winner, was playing best.

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Despite the controversy that fans usually try to create around these star golfers, Korda truthfully admitted that the numbers speak for themselves, and currently it is Ko who is Number 1 in the world. Previously, both stars had mentioned the mutual respect they share for each other’s games.

Does Korda and Jin Young Ko’s rivalry extend off the greens too?

The two LPGA Tour stars have given each other tough competition over the years. Only a few weeks ago did Young Ko overthrow Korda to reclaim the World No. 1 spot. But this does not mean that one player is any less than the other. Both golfers have time and again proven how efficiently they can tame the greens.

Usually, due to the on-field rivalry, fans hype this angle between the two players. However, it was once accepted by Korda that this kind of rivalry during the competition is good. She claimed that healthy competition helped promote growth and urges the player to improve generally.

But this is where the rivalry ends—as soon as they are off the field, no such competition exists. In fact, Korda admitted, “We’re still good friends. We chit-chat here and there”. Further indicating how strong the bonds can be in the world of sports. On the one hand, it promotes development and helps increase learning. On the other hand, it gives birth to strong friendships that prove to be a source of upliftment.

What do you think of Nelly Korda’s stance on the best female golfer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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