Tue 17 September 2024 2:00, UK
Stacy Lewis would have known that how both Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu play at the Solheim Cup would have a real say in determining whether the USA won the trophy back for the first time since 2017.
Not only are Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu the two best players in the world rankings, but Europe would have taken enormous confidence had they managed to nullify both in the early stages of the Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Vu was not entirely happy with her performance in Virginia, but the same could not be said for Korda, who played a key role in putting Lewis’ side on the brink of victory heading into the singles. The 26-year-old won three points from three before being rested on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, it has to be noted that Korda was beaten comfortably by Charley Hull on Sunday as Europe looked to produce a comeback as special as the one the Americans had managed nine years ago. But ultimately, the home side had enough to get themselves across the line.
The big difference in Nelly Korda at the Solheim Cup
Korda certainly embraced her leadership role within the team, with the two-time major champion going out in match one in every session she played, including the singles.
Obviously, Korda has had a remarkable year, winning six times before the end of May. But she also had her fair share of setbacks, including at the Olympics where she finished in a tie for 22nd.
Like the Solheim Cup, she was playing for her country at Le Golf National. But speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast, Rex Hoggard suggested that there was a big difference between the Korda fans saw just outside Paris to the one at the Solheim Cup.
“Nelly Korda was the focus of that Olympics. Everyone wanted to talk to her, every single day and I don’t want to say that the pressure got to her but you could tell she had circled the wagons that week. She wasn’t chatty, emotional or outgoing. She was there with a mission,” he said.
“But in this case you can see how the team atmosphere brought the best out of Nelly. For her to go essentially dancing on to the first tee on Sunday morning to open the matches, that was so much fun.”
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Solheim Cup really is like nothing else
There are perhaps a couple of obvious differences between the Olympics and the Solheim Cup, which may have inspired the change in Korda. Firstly, playing at home in front of crowds mostly cheering for the USA would have energised anyone attached to the red, white and blue.
Secondly, Korda was part of a team which went over to the Olympics, but the team dynamic seems to be completely different in the Solheim Cup. Ultimately, the Olympic medals were handed out individually at the end of a 72-hole stroke play event.
Meanwhile, it is 12 players who get the job done in a Solheim Cup, plus all of the backroom team. And it is an event like nothing else in women’s golf. That seemingly freed Korda up and allowed the world’s best player to show exactly why there is no-one better right now.
