Nelly Korda issues worrying injury news on eve of major

Nelly Korda has revealed that she is battling a neck injury ahead of this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

The world No.1 is hoping to go one better than her second-place finish at last month’s US Women’s Open, but her prep hasn’t been plain sailing.

Korda, 26, was playing out of the rough during a practice round at Fields Ranch East on Monday, when she suffered a neck spasm.

She was forced to miss the champion’s dinner and arrived at her pre-tournament press conference yesterday with kinesiology tape strapped to her neck.

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“I hit a shot out of the rough yesterday, and my neck went into a full spasm,” Korda explained. “It’s getting better, but yeah, it was not very good yesterday.”

Asked if it was impacting her swing and preparations, Korda replied: “A little, yeah. Obviously with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to.

“But I have a great physio who takes care of me. Trying to work through it, but I’ll be ready by Thursday.”

Korda also added that she’ll have to be ‘smart’ about managing both the injury and her game in Texas.

“It’s going to be hot this week too,” she said, “so making sure you’re rested, and depending on how your body feels, you have to make a plan just how your body feels and be smart about it.”

The 15-time LPGA Tour winner was also ‘sad’ to miss out on a Korean feast, served up by last year’s winner Amy Yang.

The annual tradition sees all past winners of the event reunite for a meal inspired by the reigning champ.

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“I didn’t go because of my neck,” Korda said. “I was so sad to miss it, though. I messaged Amy; the menu looked unbelievable. I love Korean food. So, I was really jealous.

“At the end of the day, I need to prioritise my body. So, I wasn’t able to go, but I missed out on a good dinner.”

Should Korda line up for the event on Thursday, she’ll play alongside Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko.

It’s one of her last events in the States before making a debut at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open in July.

A win at the PGA, meanwhile, would be her first since last year’s ANNIKA tournament at Pelican Golf Club in November.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.