Annika Sorenstam has taken notice of world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who is enthralling the women’s game even more quickly than Sorenstam.
Sorenstam didn’t win her first of 10 majors and 72 LPGA events until she was 24 years old, in the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open. Korda, on the other hand, is a seven-time LPGA winner and a major champion at the age of 23.
Sorenstam claimed she’s a “huge fan” of Korda and feels she’s only getting started in her young career in an interview with Forbes.
“Nelly had a breakthrough year, but it was not unexpected,” she remarked. “I think most people were wondering when it was going to happen because Nelly is so easy to impress.”
Korda won her maiden major championship in the KMPG Women’s PGA Championship in Atlanta in 2021. She also added three more LPGA victories, ten top ten finishes, and Olympic gold in Tokyo.
Korda, who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, topped the LPGA in scoring average (68.77), rounds in the 60s (39), rounds under par (50), and average driving distance (275.12 yards).
Sorenstam described her as “a tall athlete with a lovely, strong stroke.” “She smashes it long and hard off the tee, so she’s got that going for her.” But then you see her on the greens, and you notice that she has excellent technique and feel.”
Korda had the right mindset to complement her tempting talent, according to the Swede, once she established herself as a celebrity.
“I believe a lot of it was simply growing up and trusting herself and her abilities,” she said. “Once everything clicks, it’s a lot easier to do it again and over again.”
The 51-year-old believes the young American will continue to thrive in the future. And if Sorenstam accepts her invitation to next year’s U.S. Women’s Open, which she received after winning the ’21 senior women’s open, the world may get a chance to witness the two battle on one of the sport’s most important stages.
