Nelly Korda entered the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open as the World No. 1 and the tournament favorite after an impressive start to the season. Yet her opening round at Riviera was far from smooth, as she struggled with her driver and carded a 2-over 73. The early signs pointed to a difficult weekend ahead, with the threat of missing the cut looming. But a late-night practice session and a simple swing adjustment from her sister, Jessica Korda, transformed her approach and reignited her chances in the major.
Identifying the Driver Issue That Threatened Her Title Bid
Korda’s problems in Round 1 stemmed mainly from her driver. She was “laying off at the top,” a technical phrase describing how she was not fully rotating her wrists at the top of her backswing. This flaw caused inconsistent contact and drives that frequently veered to the right, undermining her ability to control the ball on a challenging Riviera layout.
Frustration was evident, especially since she had been striking the ball well during the days leading up to the event. “It was weird because I was striking it so well Monday through Wednesday, and all of a sudden I just really didn’t — I had no idea what was going on yesterday with my driver,” Korda explained after the first round, reflecting on the sudden swing disruption.
Jessica Korda’s Grip Adjustment: Simple but Effective
Enter Jessica Korda, a six-time LPGA winner and seasoned major contender. When Nelly struggled to find answers on the range after Round 1, Jessica pinpointed the root of the problem: her sister’s grip was too weak, contributing to the off-plane swing and erratic ball flight.
The solution was straightforward: strengthen the grip. By rotating the hands slightly more on the club, Nelly could better square the clubface through impact and prevent the ball from drifting right. Though the adjustment felt “super funky” and unnatural at first, she trusted the advice and committed to it for Round 2.
From Struggle to Surge: How the Swing Fix Translated into Scores
The results spoke volumes. Korda’s 4-under 67 in Round 2 marked a six-shot improvement and vaulted her into contention, just two shots off the 36-hole lead. Five birdies against a single bogey showed her renewed ball striking and confidence, especially off the tee where the grip fix had the most impact.
This turnaround underscores the importance of subtle technical tweaks at the highest level. Even minor changes can produce dramatic shifts in performance, especially under the pressure of a major championship. Korda’s willingness to adopt an uncomfortable grip adjustment highlights the blend of trust and adaptability required to compete at golf’s pinnacle.
The Unique Dynamic of Sibling Collaboration on Tour
What makes this episode particularly notable is the familial dynamic. It’s rare to see such direct and effective coaching at the highest level coming from a sibling, but Jessica’s experience and insight proved invaluable. Their shared competitive backgrounds and understanding of each other’s swings created a unique environment for quick diagnosis and correction.
This collaboration adds a fresh layer to discussions about coaching and support in professional golf. It shows how trusted relationships can provide immediate, precise feedback that even top coaches might miss without the benefit of deep personal knowledge.
Nelly Korda U.S. Women’s Open Swing Fix: Why It Matters
Korda’s swing fix is a textbook example of how a technical flaw—here, a grip issue causing “laying off at the top”—can severely limit a player’s effectiveness, especially with the driver. Correcting this flaw quickly allowed her to regain control over ball flight and scoring, a critical factor on a demanding course like Riviera.
For fans and players alike, this incident offers a valuable lesson: even elite players can be undone by subtle swing inconsistencies. It also highlights the value of a strong support system and the potential for unconventional coaching sources, like siblings, to make a decisive difference.
All The Golf reported on this key moment, emphasizing the technical nature of the fix rather than framing it as a mere feel-good family story.
What to Watch Next
As the U.S. Women’s Open moves into its final rounds, all eyes will be on how well Korda can maintain the grip adjustment under mounting pressure. The question remains whether this “funky” new feel will hold up against the toughest competition and course conditions. Her ability to adapt further or revert to previous habits could determine if she finally captures her first U.S. Women’s Open title.
Beyond this event, Korda’s swing fix may influence how players approach in-tournament adjustments, especially when struggling with drivers on challenging courses. The upcoming LPGA events will also test whether this grip change becomes a permanent feature of her swing or a temporary patch.
Either way, the intersection of sibling insight and technical precision has set the stage for a compelling finish at Riviera.
What this means: Nelly Korda’s experience demonstrates the critical impact a small grip change can have on driver performance and scoring in major tournaments. It also reveals the strategic advantage that comes from unique coaching relationships, such as those between siblings competing at the highest level. Muirfield Villages Brutal Friday adds context worth exploring for readers following this topic closely. For a broader view, explore our coverage of LPGA Tour news and results.
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