Nelly Korda's Putter Switch Sparks Hopes at TPC Boston FM Championship

Nelly Korda's Putter Switch Sparks Hopes at TPC Boston FM Championship

As the sun rose over TPC Boston, the excitement in the air was palpable with the start of the FM Championship. Nelly Korda, a name synonymous with excellence on the golf course, was back in action, seeking to regain her footing after recently slipping from the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Rankings. In an impressive display, she shot a 5-under 67, making seven birdies but just two bogeys during her round, which has her sitting two strokes off the early lead held by Sei Young Kim and Allisen Corpuz, who both carded rounds of 7-under 65s. The atmosphere was electric, and Korda’s performance has put her right back in contention after what she described as a challenging time with her equipment.

Nelly made a significant change by switching to a TaylorMade Del Monte blade putter prior to the championship. This transition from a mallet to a blade-style putter is a strategic move, aimed at restoring her putting confidence after a tough season where she has yet to secure a win, having previously enjoyed dominance on the LPGA Tour. She pulled the new putter out with a different Super Stroke grip, feeling “confident” as she took on the course’s challenges, particularly noting that the golf courses back in Florida were not in optimal condition due to recent closures. In fact, this was Korda’s first tournament since losing her top ranking at the CPKC Women’s Open, making the stakes even higher for her performance here.

Confidence and Challenges

Korda’s opening round featured a notable stretch of five birdies in just eight holes, showcasing her trademark skill and determination to close the gap on the leaders. After a bogey on the fourth, she rallied impressively, finishing her round with back-to-back birdies on the seventh and eighth holes. “It felt really good,” she stated, feeling the swing of confidence that she hopes will carry her through the rest of the tournament and beyond.

This season has been tumultuous for Korda, who has seen 23 different winners on the LPGA Tour, with no player managing to clinch a second title so far. Despite all this, she has made the cut in all 14 of her starts, securing six top-10 finishes, including a tie for tenth last week. Questions loom about her equipment, but Korda’s commitment to her new setup, which includes a bag full of TaylorMade gear, appears steadfast. She remains optimistic and determined: “I just want to get back to winning,” she expressed.

What’s in Korda’s Bag

Nelly Korda’s carefully curated equipment list reflects her desire for precision and performance on the course:

This well-thought-out arsenal has led her to major victories, including wins at the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the 2024 Chevron Championship. Each piece of her equipment has been tailored to meet her competitive needs, thanks to the guidance of TaylorMade’s Senior Tour Manager Ryan Ressa, who worked closely with her to secure the optimal setup for performance.

As Nelly Korda heads into the remaining rounds of the FM Championship with renewed focus and a fresh outlook, fans and players alike are eager to see if she can tap into her old winning form. Will this be the turning point she’s been waiting for? Only time will tell, but the first chapter of this story has been captivating.

For more on Korda’s journey and her performance, check out the recent highlights from Golfweek, NBC Sports, and her equipment insights from Today’s Golfer.