Nelly Korda has demonstrated that she "has the ability to be dominant" in the women’s game, a sentiment echoed by former major champion Catriona Matthew after Korda secured her third major title. The American’s performance at the Chevron Championship was nothing short of spectacular: she reclaimed the world No.
1 ranking by leading from start to finish, matching the tournament’s record‑low 54‑hole total and ultimately winning by five strokes. Such a commanding display recalls the era when Tiger Woods was the unmistakable face of men’s golf, and Matthew, who captured the Women’s British Open in 2009, believes the sport would thrive with a similarly iconic figure on the women’s side. "In any sport, having a dominant player captures the public’s imagination," she told Sky Sports News. "We’ve seen that in the men’s game with Tiger Woods, and more recently with Scottie Scheffler.
When Scottie is on the course, I tune in to see if he can repeat his previous year’s performance." Matthew went on to note that the women’s game has had its legends—Annika Sörenstam, a ten‑time major winner; Karrie Webb, who has seven majors; and Se‑ri Pak, with five—but those figures have been relatively few and far between. With Korda now boasting three major victories—the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, her 2024 Chevron win, and a second Chevron triumph—she is poised to become the next dominant force in women’s golf. When asked whether Korda could truly dominate the sport, Matthew answered unequivocally: "Golf‑wise, absolutely.
She’s tall, she hits the ball a long way, and her swing is nearly flawless. If she can keep her putting consistent, she has the capacity to dominate. She possesses the poise and mental toughness required for sustained success." Dame Laura Davies, a four‑time major champion, also sang Korda’s praises on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast.
Davies described the 27‑year‑old’s performance at the Chevron as "cruise control," emphasizing that Korda’s game felt complete when she was at her best. "I’m not going to compare her to Tiger because there’s no direct comparison, but when a player like her hits the ball as she did, you can’t see anyone catching up. She kept improving and won by a huge margin." Davies added that Korda appears to have a long runway ahead: "If she wants, she could enjoy another five to ten years at the very top.
While matching Annika’s total of wins and majors may be a stretch, she can certainly stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the likes of Karrie Webb and Se‑ri Pak. Her game is currently operating at a slightly higher level, and she seems ready to shift into an even higher gear." The broader implications of Korda’s rise are significant for women’s golf.
A dominant figure can attract new fans, increase media coverage, and inspire younger players to take up the sport. The comparison to Tiger Woods is not meant to suggest identical career trajectories, but rather to highlight the impact a single, charismatic champion can have on popularizing the game. In the men’s arena, Woods’ presence elevated tournament viewership, sponsorship deals, and global interest; a similar effect could emerge in the women’s circuit if Korda continues her current trajectory.
Korda’s strengths are multifaceted. Physically, her height gives her an advantage in generating clubhead speed, translating into longer drives that regularly exceed 300 yards.
Technically, her swing mechanics are smooth and repeatable, allowing her to maintain consistency under pressure. Mentally, she exhibits a calm demeanor that belies the high‑stakes environments of major championships.
Her putting, while already strong, is an area she acknowledges she can still refine, and doing so could transform her from a dominant player into an unstoppable one. The conversation about a "female Tiger" also raises questions about the evolving landscape of women’s golf. With increased prize money, more televised events, and a growing global fan base, the stage is set for a player like Korda to become a household name. Sponsors are eager to align with athletes who can deliver both performance and marketability, and Korda’s youthful appeal, combined with her on‑course success, makes her an attractive ambassador for the sport.
Looking ahead, the upcoming season will be a litmus test for Korda’s staying power. Consistency across various course types—links, parkland, and desert layouts—will be essential.
Additionally, her ability to handle the inevitable pressures of expectation will determine whether she can sustain dominance or become a flash in the pan. Observers will watch her performances at events such as the Women’s PGA Championship, the Evian, and the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open with keen interest.
In summary, both Matthew and Davies see Korda as possessing the essential ingredients for prolonged success: physical prowess, technical excellence, mental resilience, and a competitive drive. While direct comparisons to Tiger Woods are more metaphorical than literal, the underlying principle remains clear—having a standout, dominant player can elevate the entire sport. If Korda continues to refine her game, particularly her putting, and maintains her mental edge, she could indeed become the defining figure of women’s golf for the next decade, drawing new fans and inspiring future generations.