Nelly Korda Struggles in Major Championship Start

Nelly Korda began the Evian Championship with a 3-over 74, leaving her tied for 107th place.

She made just two birdies on Thursday.

The World No. 1 hit 11 of 13 fairways and 13 of 18 greens in regulation but needed 34 putts to finish.

Korda's putting struggles, which surfaced a few weeks ago at Hazeltine, continued at Evian.

She sits 11 shots behind first-round leader Aki Iwai and must make up ground to complete the career Grand Slam.

Korda wasn't the only No. 1 to endure a frustrating Thursday. World Amateur Golf Ranking No. 1 Kiara Romero also opened with a 3-over 74.

The stakes are high for Romero, who needs to make the cut to earn her final LEAP point and become eligible for LPGA membership.

Romero is set to compete in the AIG Women's Open later this month after winning the McCormack Medal.

Her path forward comes with an interesting wrinkle: if she makes the cut at Evian, she'll have to remain an amateur to tee it up in the season's final major.

Korda has just two top-10 finishes in eight previous starts at Evian, but she proved this season that course history only matters until it doesn't.

Her U.S. Women's Open victory put that narrative to rest, but this time the climb feels steeper.

On July 9, 2026, Korda faces a tough road ahead to catch up with the leaders at the Evian Championship.

The LPGA's fourth major championship of the season got underway in Evian-les-Bains, with Korda trying to move one step closer to the Hall of Fame.

But for now, she must focus on making the cut and then trying to make up ground on the leaders.

With both major tours kicking off their European summer, there was plenty of golf happening on July 9, 2026.

Korda's performance will be closely watched as she tries to bounce back from a disappointing start.

The Evian Championship continues on July 10, 2026, with Korda looking to improve her position on the leaderboard.