LPGA Icon Nelly Korda Divulges the Necessity to Etch Her Legacy Into the Monumental Debut at Pebble Beach: ‘That’s Our Little Piece of History’

As a kid, Nelly Korda, along with her brother and tennis star Sebastian Korda, would often play the Pebble Beach Golf Links as part of a video game. Growing up, she even had her own favorite hole, the 7th!

Now, the LPGA star’s dreams are all set to come true, with the US Women’s Open teeing off at the iconic golf course in just a few hours. Ahead of the event, Korda further reflected on the sheer significance of the famed venue hosting its first-ever women’s major!

Nelly Korda highlights the importance of the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach

Just a handful of days ago, the renowned Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey had served as the turf for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. In yet another massive stride for women’s golf, the third major of the year, the US Women’s Open, will be kicking off at the historic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

To date, Pebble Beach has hosted seven men’s major events, six US Opens, and one PGA Championship. But, beginning on July 6th, this ocean-hugging gem will stage its first women’s major and World No. 2 Nelly Korda couldn’t be more ecstatic about it!

“I don’t think you can compare this golf course to any tournament,” said the 24-year-old during a pre-tournament press conference. “Now I understand it, now playing for the first time.” The golfer further shared her satisfaction with the way women’s golf is progressing by leaps and bounds.

Also Read: Nelly Korda: A Look Back Into Her US Women’s Open Career as She Aims to Conquer the Majestic Pebble Beach This Week

“It’s amazing to see we’re making these massive strides forward, not only with the increase in purses but the venues we get to play, the rich history that we just get to be a part of,” she said. “I think that’s our little piece of history, as well.” Back at the Women’s PGA Championship, Korda’s early exit from the tournament had shocked the golf world. In the coming days, the golfer will no doubt want to forget her Baltusrol woes and begin her hunt for a second major title on a refreshing note.

What US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach means for women’s golf

The last time female golfers had teed off at Pebble Beach for an event was during the 1948 US Women’s Amateur. Since then, the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods have scripted stunning victories on the course. Meanwhile, the women’s game never got the chance to return to the course until this week.

Recently, LPGA icon and 2007 Chevron Championship winner Morgan Pressel shared her thoughts on what this history-making moment means for women’s sports. “There’s nothing more important to elevate these championships than to put them on historic venues like Pebble Beach,” she had shared. “They withstand the test of time. They outlive any single player of any era.”

19-time LPGA Tour winner Lydia Ko was shocked when Pebble Beach was announced as the venue for the women’s major, confessing that it was a “bucket list” course for anyone who played golf.

The course, located atop the coastline in California’s Monterey Peninsula, will see a 156-player field compete for the US Women’s Open title from June 6th to 9th. Furthermore, the USGA has also agreed to hold three more editions of the coveted major at Pebble Beach in 2035, 2040, and 2048.

Watch This Story: Despite Her Bitter History With LPGA Pros, Paige Spiranac Bestows Praise For Nelly Korda: ‘The Full Package’

Do you have a favorite memory associated with Pebble Beach? Which golfer will you be rooting for to win the US Women’s Open? Let us know in the comments!