The 2025 Chevron Championship teed off with high expectations, especially for defending champion Nelly Korda. As the LPGA's first major of the year, all eyes were on Korda at The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas. However, her opening round took an unexpected turn, setting the stage for a dramatic tournament.

A Rough Start for the Defending Champion

Nelly Korda entered the Chevron Championship hoping to repeat her 2024 success. Instead, she struggled out of the gates, carding a 77 in the first round. Four consecutive bogeys early in her round left her battling from behind. This was Korda’s worst score of the 2025 season, putting her 12 shots off the lead and well outside her usual comfort zone.

In a candid post-round interview, Korda acknowledged her struggles, stating, “I just have to go work. I mean, I’m not hitting it well. That’s about it.” Golf, even for the world’s best, can be unpredictable and humbling. For more detail on Korda's challenging day and her mindset, check out Nelly Korda's major season starts with Chevron dud from Golf.com.

The Competition Steps Up

While Korda fought to find her game, other players seized the opportunity. Haeran Ryu and Yan Liu both shot bogey-free 7-under 65s, sharing the lead as the first round was suspended. Their strong play contrasted with Korda’s struggles. The NBC Sports recap highlights how the leaderboard took shape without its expected frontrunner.

What Went Wrong for Korda?

Korda’s troubles weren’t limited to one part of her play. She required 33 putts for the round, several above her season average. Trouble off the tee and inconsistent approach shots compounded her difficulties, making it tough to recover. According to Golf Digest, Korda tried a new blade putter, but soon returned to her familiar mallet after a disappointing day on the greens.

Despite the tough start, Korda stayed true to her character, taking time after her round to sign autographs and interact with fans. Her resilience, both on and off the course, continues to inspire the next generation of players.

Moving Forward at the Chevron Championship

With more than half of the field shooting par or better, Korda faces an uphill battle to make the cut and contend for the title. Past majors have shown her ability to bounce back from adversity. Golf fans will be watching closely as the action unfolds in Texas.

Are you following the 2025 Chevron Championship? For real-time updates, tee times, and more expert analysis, visit the official Golf.com coverage.

The Chevron Championship remains wide open, promising more drama before the champion is crowned. Stay tuned for more highlights and reactions from one of women’s golf’s premier stages.