In a display of unwavering commitment and resilience that truly embodies the spirit of a champion, the world’s top female golfer, Nelly Korda, recently stunned the golfing community with her extreme training methods. Korda is renowned for her unconventional approach to practice, often choosing to train under the most arduous conditions, thus preparing herself for the worst-case scenarios during tournaments.
On March 6, Korda posted a video on her Instagram that left the golfing world both in awe and bemusement. The footage shows her practicing her tee shots amidst a downpour, accompanied by gusty winds. Her nonchalant caption, “This is some British Open weather,” perfectly encapsulated her tenacity and determination, qualities that would drive most amateur golfers back to the comfort of their clubhouse.
Korda’s intense training regimen is not a mere show of strength. Rather, it is a strategic move that has been a significant part of her career. She has consistently taken a methodical approach to harsh weather, honing her creative shot-making skills, which are invaluable in tournaments such as the British Open. As she once remarked during practice rounds at St. Andrews, where she deliberately experienced a spectrum of weather conditions, “You can prepare all you want, but then it’s all about the weather.”
Korda’s dedication to all-weather preparation is a testament to her celebrated work ethic. Her practice routine is meticulously structured, starting her warm-ups precisely 65 minutes before tee time and finishing 18 holes in two hours, thereby mimicking a tournament-like focus. Her coach, Jamie Mulligan, playfully refers to her tendency to overanalyze her game as “Nelly things,” emphasizing the unique blend of discipline and obsession that defines Korda’s approach to golf.
Such is the prowess of Korda’s game that fellow LPGA pro Hannah Green has admitted to aiming for the World No. 2 spot instead, conceding that achieving No. 1 would require matching the number of wins Korda had last year. This speaks volumes about Korda’s formidable command of the sport, with the gap between her and the second-ranked player reportedly larger than the gap between the second and 45th-ranked players.
Korda’s extreme training methods have drawn both admiration and humor from the golf community. PGA Tour star Justin Thomas expressed his disbelief at her dedication, while her sister, Jessica Korda, voiced her concern in a simple, “Go home”. Yet the fans stood by Korda’s commitment, with comments praising her “mamba mentality” and relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of the weather.
The overwhelming respect and awe for Korda go beyond the amusing exchanges in the comments section. Her reputation as a no-excuse player and her intimidating presence on tour, underscored by her average ranking points of 11.55, have made her a formidable force in the world of professional golf. Fans and fellow players alike await her return to the LPGA, eager to see how her extreme methods will continue to shape her career.
We welcome your thoughts on Korda’s unique training methods. Do share your views in the comments section below!
