Nelly Korda: 1 Way That She Could Improve Her Game and Go Undefeated!

Nelly Korda has taken the LPGA Tour by storm in 2024. With a pristine 5-for-5 record in starts this season, she’s leaving a trail of disappointed competitors in her wake. But lurking beneath the surface of this dominant run is a stat that has some golf fans scratching their heads: Korda sits tied for 66th in putting average. This begs the question – can an elite player with a less-than-elite flatstick continue this historic pace, or will putting woes eventually catch up to her?

Dominant Despite the Short Stick

Let’s be clear – Korda isn’t exactly struggling on the greens. Her 29.57 putts per round average keeps her competitive. However, in a sport where inches can separate victory from defeat, that mark positions her squarely in the middle of the pack. This seemingly incongruous reality highlights the multifaceted nature of professional golf. While some consider putting the heart and soul of the game, it’s just one piece of a complex puzzle.

Korda’s success can be attributed to her well-rounded skillset. She’s a bomber off the tee, consistently finding herself in prime scoring positions. Her iron play is dialed in, leaving her with makeable birdie looks with regularity. This ability to control her ball flight and distance allows her to manufacture scoring opportunities even when the putter isn’t cooperating.

The Art of Lag Putting: Korda’s Secret Weapon?

One theory suggests Korda might be excelling in an often-overlooked area – lag putting. Sinking long putts for birdie grabs headlines, but consistent two-putts, especially from further distances, are the backbone of any strong putting performance. Perhaps Korda’s ability to leave herself tap-in or short birdie putts with regularity is masking any shortcomings with the flat stick.

Take Bryson DeChambeau for example. While DeChambeau’s length off the tee is legendary, his putting woes have been well documented. However, his exceptional lag putting often allows him to salvage pars or even grab birdies despite a shaky short game. Could Korda be employing a similar strategy?

The Long Game vs. The Short Game: A Balancing Act

The historical greats of the game have all emphasized the importance of a balanced skillset. Tiger Woods was a force to be reckoned with because he excelled in all facets of the game. However, there have been exceptions. Putting wizards like Bernhard Langer and Annika Sorenstam have built careers around exceptional feel on the green, even if their length off the tee wasn’t top-tier.

The question for Korda is whether she can maintain this level of dominance without improvement on the greens. History suggests that relying solely on a long game can be a recipe for inconsistency, especially as competition heats up in the majors.

Capitalizing on Korda’s Kryptonite

Astute competitors will undoubtedly be taking notes. If they can neutralize Korda’s length advantage by playing strategically off the tee, they can force her to rely more heavily on her putting. A hot day on the greens for a rival golfer could spell trouble for Korda’s win streak.

Room for Improvement: A Double-Edged Sword

The silver lining for Korda is the immense potential for further improvement. Imagine the level she could reach if she can refine her touch around the green. Shaving a couple of strokes off her putting average could elevate her to an almost unbeatable level. This potential for growth adds another layer of intrigue to her already captivating season.

The Road Ahead: A Crucible for Greatness?

Nelly Korda’s 2024 season is shaping up to be a compelling narrative. Can she defy the odds and maintain her winning ways despite a middling putting average? Will she succumb to the pressure of maintaining a perfect record? Or will she use this as a springboard to unlock the next level of her game, becoming an unstoppable force on the LPGA Tour? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Nelly Korda’s journey this season promises to be a captivating spectacle for golf fans worldwide.