Just a few weeks ago, Korda seemed nearly unbeatable. Four consecutive victories at the start of the 2025 season left little doubt that this year could be hers. But following an early exit at the Mizuho Americas Open and a missed opportunity at the U.S. Women’s Open in Erin Hills, the American superstar appears to have lost some momentum. Now, the third Major of the year awaits — and Korda is not at full strength.
On Tuesday, she had to skip the traditional Champions Dinner due to an acute neck cramp. “I’ve been playing in constant pain,” she told the media. While regular physical therapy is helping, she admitted she’s still not completely pain-free.
Fighting despite injury: Korda remains a top candidate
Despite her physical issues, Korda remains one of the favorites. With 15 LPGA Tour titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a Major win at the PGA Championship in 2021, the 26-year-old brings both talent and experience to the field. While she hasn’t won in 2025 yet, she has recorded four Top 10 finishes in nine starts, and she continues to hold the No. 1 spot in the world rankings.
“It just makes you hungrier,” Korda said of her Open heartache. “For me, I hate making mistakes; obviously I love winning. You don’t get to win often, but there’s nothing like it being in contention, so I think that’s kind of what makes me hungrier to come back and to work harder and put myself into that position.”
Reflecting on her runner-up finish at the U.S. Women’s Open, she added: “I was in the hunt, I was right there. That’s a good thing. You can look at it negatively, but a few weeks later, I can also use it as motivation. Hopefully, it makes me hungrier.”
Statistically, Korda was among the best at the U.S. Open in both Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and Approach. It was mainly her putting that kept her from lifting the trophy.
Another positive: Her older sister Jessica Korda is returning to competition after a long injury break. In tough moments, that family support seems especially meaningful.
Heat and Competition Add to the Challenge
In addition to her physical struggles, extreme heat will be a major factor at Sahalee Country Club, with temperatures expected to reach around 35°C during the tournament days — making both endurance and course strategy crucial.
The field is stacked, too: Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson, Minjee Lee, Rose Zhang, and Sweden’s Maja Stark — whom Korda narrowly beat at the U.S. Open — are all heading into the Major with title ambitions. Revenge could be on the cards.
