Nelly Korda looks capable of becoming the kind of dominant presence the women’s game rarely enjoys, according to former major champion Catriona Matthew. Korda returned to world number one after a commanding, wire-to-wire triumph at the Chevron Championship, matching the tournament record-low 54-hole score on her way to a five-shot victory.
Matthew says a single standout star helps draw wider public attention to a sport, pointing to Tiger Woods and more recently Scottie Scheffler in the men’s game. She noted that the women’s game has had legends such as Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb and Se-ri Pak, but only a handful have held that kind of long-term dominance. With Korda now up to three major titles, and adding a second Chevron success alongside previous big wins, Matthew believes she has the tools to be similarly influential.
On the course, Matthew praised Korda’s physical and technical attributes: tall, long off the tee, and a near-perfect swing. If she maintains her form with the putter and keeps her composure, Matthew says Korda has the ability to be truly dominant, pointing to the poise and mental toughness she has shown.
Fellow veteran Dame Laura Davies echoed the praise on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, describing Korda as having the complete game when she is at her best. Davies called the Chevron victory a ‘cruise control’ performance and stopped short of direct comparisons with Woods, but argued that when Korda takes the lead she only gets stronger and can be almost unbeatable.
Davies added that Korda could remain at the top for another five to 10 years if she wants, and while Annika’s records may stand apart, Korda has the potential to sit alongside other greats like Karrie Webb and Se-ri Pak. Both commentators highlighted not just Korda’s current form but the sense that she still has another gear, suggesting she could be the defining player of the next era in women’s golf.