Nelly Korda’s US Women’s Open Hopes Derailed by Septuple-Bogey at Lancaster
World No. 1 Nelly Korda’s quest for her third major title took a dramatic downturn during the opening round of the US Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club. Korda, who came into the tournament as the overwhelming favorite after winning six of her last seven LPGA Tour events, recorded an LPGA career-high score of 10 on the par-three 12th hole.
Korda’s troubles began with a bogey on the 10th, and her round quickly unraveled on the 12th. After hitting three balls into the water, she finally completed the hole with a septuple-bogey 10. This disastrous start left her 10 over par for the round, struggling just to make the cut.
“I just didn’t play well today,” Korda admitted. “Making a 10 on a par-three will definitely not do you any good at a US Open.”
Korda’s round included five bogeys and a few birdies on the 12th, 16th, and 17th holes, but these were small consolations on a tough day. Despite her recent dominance, which includes a victory at the Chevron Championship, Korda found the Lancaster course particularly challenging.
Japan’s Yuka Saso leads the tournament after a difficult first round, shooting a two-under 68, one of only four players to break par on Thursday.
Former Women’s Open champion Catriona Matthew expressed shock at Korda’s rough start. “It’s going to be a real struggle to come back from this,” she told Sky Sports.
Korda remains hopeful despite the setback. “I’m human, I’m going to have bad days,” she said. “Today was just a bad day in the office.”
The US Women’s Open continues through Sunday, with live coverage on Sky Sports.
