“Haven’t Secured My Spot”: Nelly Korda Concedes the Stark Olympics Reality as ‘Crazy’ Memories ‘Blur’ Her Mind

Nelly Korda would very much like to repeat the 2021 Olympics heroics this year as well. The problem is she doesn’t know if she will qualify. Her chances are high, but the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner doesn’t want to jinx it.

Currently, Korda is the second-ranked golfer in the world, just behind her compatriot, Lilia Vu. But things can change in a short period. Like it did last year for the nine-time LPGA Tour winner. Hence, Korda sounds cautious while talking about the Olympics. Nevertheless, the mention of the Olympics opened the floodgates of memory for the 25-year-old.

Nelly Korda hopes to get that 2021 ‘juju’ this year as well

Nelly Korda doesn’t want to give it too much thought. Not before she ‘actually’ qualifies for the Olympics. Perhaps, offering a reminder to herself as well, the 25-year-old said, “Still haven’t secured my spot [in the Olympics]”. Representing the “red, white, and blue,” remains a dream as it was four years back, Korda told the presspersons from Palos Verdes.

Though Korda doesn’t want to get ahead of herself, being the defending champion, she gets the question too often. Her answer remained the same as it was two months back at the LPGA Drive On Championship, where she broke her 14-month trophyless hiatus. “If I qualify, yeah,” the LPGA Pro was quick to point out when a reporter asked about her chances at the Paris Olympics.

Besides the gold medal, 2021 saw her lift four silverware including her first Major. Korda admits that the year is “such a blur now. It’s crazy.” The stellar run of form started with a victory at the Gainbridge LPGA. The current World No.2 admits, “One of the best things that year was winning in Florida for the first time and winning in front of my parents, an LPGA event for the first time, too.”

Nelly Korda hopes to “get some of that good juju into 2024.” Heading to the final round at Palos Verdes, she is tied for the third spot, trailing Alison Lee and Jiyai Shin by two shots. The 25-year-old plans to take advantage of the strong downwind on the par 5s to improve her chances. A victory here would smoothen the path to the Olympics qualification as well.

How can Korda qualify for the Olympics?

The Olympics committee decides the field based on their golf ranking. Two-year performance till June 24 will decide the fate of female golfers. Olympics Golf Ranking awards points to golfers based on their finishing position in each event. The ratings vary depending on the field strength.

The total point is then averaged to decide the final field. Points awarded in the last 13-week period are given the highest weightage – 100%. Whereas, after that points are devalued by 1.1% for each of the remaining 91 weeks. For Nelly Korda, the good news is she is still number 2 in OGR Women’s rankings. Interestingly, the Olympics committee is also mulling over a mixed-gender event for Golf from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, per Associated Press.

Read More: Nelly Korda’s Months Long LPGA Tour Absence Explored