Nelly Korda’s Grace Under Fire: How the LPGA Star Handled an On-Course Controversy Like a Pro
It’s the kind of awkward moment everyone dreads—being asked about a heated argument at a dinner party you attended. For Nelly Korda, that uncomfortable spotlight came on Friday at the U.S. Women’s Open, when she was questioned about playing alongside Charley Hull and Lexi Thompson. The problem? Hull and Thompson had just been caught up in a public slow-play dispute the day before. But Korda’s calm and diplomatic response turned what could have been a tense exchange into a display of composure and media savvy.
The drama began on Thursday during their round, specifically on the eighth hole. Lexi Thompson took her time reading and preparing for a birdie putt from just under seven feet, following an impressive approach shot. Charley Hull, who had already finished the hole with a par, grew visibly frustrated with the delay. According to onlookers, Hull didn’t try to hide her irritation—she walked ahead, sat down at the ninth tee, and waited in clear discomfort.
Hull’s reaction wasn’t surprising to those who follow the LPGA closely. She has been an outspoken critic of slow play on the Tour, frequently calling for serious consequences—including suspending players’ Tour cards—for repeat offenders. Hull believes excessive round times are unfair to players and fans alike, describing the issue as “ridiculous” and a disservice to the viewing experience.
Given that background, it would be reasonable to assume the group chemistry was affected. But not according to Korda. When asked in a press conference how the group dynamic felt during their round, she didn’t reference the incident at all. Instead, she kept it light and diplomatic: “Yeah, it was great. I love playing in front of a crowd like this, and playing alongside Lexi and Charley was so much fun. I always enjoy playing with them.”
Interestingly, Korda has previously stated that slow play is one of her biggest pet peeves—yet she chose not to voice any frustration or even acknowledge the incident. Her comment seemed to be a strategic move to stay out of controversy and maintain good relations on the Tour.
This careful response becomes even more significant when viewed alongside the LPGA’s recent efforts to crack down on slow play. In 2025, the Tour introduced a new penalty system with timed shot limits. Players now face fines for being over by just a few seconds and risk one-stroke penalties if they go beyond certain limits. However, since the U.S. Women’s Open is governed by USGA rules, it operates under different guidelines that focus more on group pace rather than individual timing, allowing more leniency in high-stakes settings.
Korda’s ability to maintain grace under pressure is nothing new. After her dramatic playoff win over Lydia Ko in 2024—a victory that delayed Ko’s Hall of Fame induction—Korda publicly addressed the sensitive outcome with class. She revealed that she sent Ko a message, hoping to maintain their friendship despite the competitive situation. “There is no bad blood, I hope. On my side, there is not, but I don’t know about hers,” she said at the time.
Time and again, Korda has managed to sidestep controversy while remaining transparent and approachable. She separates competition from personal relationships, explaining that in moments like playoffs, the focus has to be on performance rather than emotions or friendships. That mindset carried over into her recent handling of the Hull-Thompson tension. By acknowledging her respect for her playing partners and focusing on the positives, she steered the conversation away from conflict and back to professionalism.
In a sport where every word can spark headlines, Nelly Korda continues to stand out not just for her performance, but for her maturity. Whether she’s dodging controversy, navigating rivalry, or simply staying focused on the next swing, she’s proving that grace under pressure isn’t just a skill—it’s a strategy.