Nelly Korda, widely regarded as one of the top golfers in the world, is right in the thick of things at this year’s CME Group Tour Championship.
Her second round was particularly impressive – an eight-under-par score that pushed her into the top ten and closer to the leaders.
Korda finds herself chasing Jeeno Thitikul, who currently sits at world number one and holds a five-shot lead over her.
It wasn’t just her play that drew attention. Korda also revealed a switch in her irons, explaining what led to the decision.
Nelly Korda reveals the reasons behind her switch to new irons in 2025
Korda had a phenomenal 2024, picking up seven wins and earning comparisons to Scottie Scheffler – some even saying she surpassed him.
But unlike Scheffler, who carried his form straight into the next year, Korda has had a slower start to 2025.
But now just five shots back at the CME Group Tour Championship, with Thitikul out in front, Korda’s decision to switch irons is getting some attention. She spoke about what drove her choice.
“Yeah, so I would say that I’m just kind of looking for a little bit more spin, and the irons were just coming in a little steeper and softer,” Korda said. “I’ve been playing well this year and I’ve been landing the ball where I want to; I’ve just been seeing a little bit more release than I normally have.”
“I would say yeah, with different changes in conditions with golf courses – that’s just how it is,” she said. “Last year maybe some of the golf courses we were playing were a little softer so I was able to stop it. This year they were more on the firmer side so they were just releasing.”
Korda continued: “So [I] was just a little bit frustrated not seeing the ball react the way I wanted it to. I really like these irons. They go through the turf really well. But I did gain a little bit of distance last week so last week [there] was always above the hole.”
“Obviously putting them under pressure is kind of where you learn most about any type of equipment,” she said. “So [I] just kind of adjusted to this week but overall [I’m] very happy with these irons.”
Korda voices frustration with 2026 LPGA calendar
Korda has never been one to hold back on important issues in women’s golf, and she’s joined other players in calling for stricter penalties on slow play.
She’s also had her say on the way things are run more broadly. And now, with the 2026 season approaching, Korda has raised concerns about how tightly packed the women’s majors are.
“I love the beginning of the season. I think having a West Coast swing at the beginning of the season is great.
“Where I would love to see improvements obviously is the majors. I feel like they’re really bunched up. But I would say it’s a marathon. It’s not a sprint. I think if we continuously make small improvements it’s going to get there.”
“You can’t snap your fingers and for it all to be done. I’ve seen major improvements in our scheduling as well.”
The LPGA schedule puts all five majors between late April and early August. The men’s side isn’t much different, running from The Masters in April to The Open in July at Royal Birkdale.
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