By: Max Bechtoldt
There are few courses that Nelly Korda plays better at than Pelican Golf Club in her home state of Florida, a course she has won twice on. She proved that once again Thursday in the opening round of The Annika driven by Gainbridge.
The No. 1 player in the Rolex Rankings got off to a quick start in the opening round, with a birdie on the par 4 second hole. After a lot of pars and an extra birdie on seven, she moved on to the back nine, which was much more volatile for her.
Korda bogeyed 12 and 13 to fall back to even par for the round, but then she responded terrifically on the end stretch. Korda birdied four of the last five holes to finish the round at -4, which currently sits in a tie for third.
Predictably, Korda was fantastic off the tee, hitting 12/14 fairways averaging 265 yards. Her putting was also strong, needing only 25 for the round. That was helped out by her terrific chipping, which included a clutch make from off the green on the final shot of the day. Korda is arguably the best chipper on the tour, and she proved it Thursday.
Korda currently sits two strokes back of the lead held by Jiwon Jeon and Charley Hull, who are at -6.
