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via Reuters

via Reuters

To no surprise, all eyes were on Nelly Korda since the beginning of 2022. And why wouldn’t it be? She began the year as the best female golfer in the world. However, what has happened now that forced her to take a break from the game she loves so dearly?

 

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Nelly recently announced her decision to take a break from the LPGA events for 6 weeks through her social media. The caption of her post indicated that she would attend the JTBC Classic in San Diego. But given that the tournament only starts on March 24th, she is expected to miss the HSBC World Championship in Singapore and Honda LPGA Tournament in Thailand.

The most rewarding year for Nelly Korda

2021 was a remarkable year for the youngest of the Korda sisters. Although the 23-year-old missed the cut to attend the 2021 US Women’s Open, she redeemed herself by winning the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan.

USA Today via Reuters

Korda continued her winning streak the next week, only to win a big one this time. She won her maiden major at the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

via Reuters

Notably, she became the World No. 1 after her win at the PGA Championship. The achievement was another record given it was the first time since 2014 an American woman golfer had reached this position. Further adding to her list of sensational achievements, Nelly won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Watch This Story: Nelly Korda Breaks American World Ranking Record

Since 2021 was clearly the best year of her career so far, why did she choose to take a break from the LPGA events just two months into 2022?

What happened to Nelly in 2022?

Expectations were high Nelly from the very beginning of the year. However, it is believed the youngest Korda sister couldn’t keep up with the mounting pressure.

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She could only secure a tie at the fourth position at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament Of Champions, while Danielle Kang won the event. After reaching only the T20 position at the Gainbridge LPGA, the second LPGA event of 2022, Nelly lost her No.1 ranking; She is currently ranked at No. 2.

Read more: ‘Many More to Come’- Golf World Reacts to Leona Maguire Becoming the First Irish Women to Win an LPGA Tour Event

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At the LPGA Drive on Championship, Korda had to settle for a tie with the other four golfers for the 15th position. It was after the third event the 23-year-old posted her decision to take a break from the championships.

Do you think the pressure of exceeding expectations resulted in Korda’s poor performance at the LPGA events? Let us know in the comments below.