Nelly Korda, who finished tied for second last year at the Women’s Open behind Lydia Ko at St. Andrews, shared insights about the challenges posed by Royal Porthcawl, the first-time host of the Women’s Open. Korda highlighted the demanding nature of the course, especially off the tee. Unlike some links courses where hitting a driver is often viable, Royal Porthcawl requires a more strategic approach. “It’s maybe a little bit more demanding off the tee. Here you definitely can’t hit driver,” she noted. Korda explained that depending on the wind direction and strength, players may find themselves often opting for an iron instead. She acknowledged the difficulties posed by the bunkers on the fairways, stating, “Once you’re in one of those bunkers, like in all links golf courses, it’s just a pitch-out.”
Korda’s experiences and insights reflect her adaptability to varying course conditions and highlight the strategic elements inherent in links golf. As the competition unfolds at Royal Porthcawl, it will be interesting to see how players navigate these unique challenges, showcasing their skills and resilience in the face of demanding course layouts. This emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in golf, traits that are crucial for success in championship settings.
The event not only offers a platform for top talents like Korda but also showcases the complexities of links golf, making for an exciting and engaging tournament.