As the third round of the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass unfolds at Whirlwind Golf Club, one question looms large over the sun-scorched fairways: Can Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked female golfer, pull the strings once more and reclaim her throne on the LPGA Tour? If the chatter among fans is any indication, the answer might just be a resounding yes.
Korda, the 26-year-old phenom who dazzled the golf world with seven victories in 2024, including a major at the Chevron Championship, entered the weekend in top form. After a blistering second round of 65 (-7) on Friday, she climbed to 12-under par, tying for second alongside Jeeno Thitikul and Charley Hull, just two strokes behind leader Lilia Vu. Her performance—a mix of precision drives, deft iron play, and a steely resolve—has reignited the fervor of a fan base that sees her as the heir apparent to LPGA greatness.
“She’s got that killer instinct,” said Karen Mitchell, a 43-year-old Phoenix resident clutching a Nelly Korda autograph on her cap as she watched from the 13th green on Friday. “Last year, she was unstoppable. I think she’s got it in her to do it again this weekend.” Mitchell’s sentiment echoes across social media, where posts on X have hailed Korda’s resurgence. One fan wrote, “Nelly’s back in the zone—nobody’s catching her now,” while another predicted, “She’s about to turn this into a victory lap.”
Korda’s 2024 season was a masterclass in dominance, with a record-tying five consecutive wins that included the Ford Championship’s inaugural edition. This year, after skipping the LPGA’s Asian swing to recharge, she returned with a runner-up finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and a T7 at the Founders Cup. Now, as she defends her title in Arizona, the buzz is palpable. “History says it’s a wrap,” proclaimed a Newsweek headline on Friday, citing her knack for closing out tournaments once she’s in contention.
Fans at Whirlwind Golf Club, where the desert heat has yielded low scores and tight competition, point to Korda’s composure as her X-factor. “She doesn’t flinch,” said Tom Rivera, a 60-year-old retiree from Tucson who followed her group on Friday. “That birdie on 13 yesterday? Ice in her veins.” Korda’s back-to-back birdies on holes 12 and 13 in the second round—highlighted by a 15-foot putt that drew roars from the gallery—sent a message: The defending champion is here to play.
Yet, the road to victory is far from assured. Vu, the world No. 6, sits at 14-under after a stunning 64 on Friday, her eight birdies a testament to her own firepower. Hull, who opened with a bogey-free 63, remains a threat at 12-under, while Thitikul’s consistency adds another layer of intrigue. “It’s not just Nelly’s tournament to lose,” cautioned Emily Chen, a 29-year-old golf blogger from Scottsdale. “Lilia’s on fire, and Charley’s got that wild card energy. But if I had to bet, Nelly’s got the edge—she’s been here before.”
Online, the debate rages. “Nelly’s clutch, but Vu’s got the momentum,” one X user posted Saturday morning. Another countered, “Korda’s too good under pressure—mark my words, she’s lifting that trophy tomorrow.” The LPGA’s official X account fueled the hype Friday, noting Korda’s tie for the lead at -11 with a clip of her draining a putt: “This one’s a doozy .”
Korda herself remains characteristically grounded. “It’s a new week, a new opportunity,” she said after Friday’s round, deflecting talk of past triumphs. “I’m just trying to play my game.” That humility, paired with her proven pedigree, only deepens her appeal. Last year’s Ford win—where she carded a final-round 65 to win by two strokes—marked her third straight LPGA victory, a feat not seen in eight years. Now, with 36 holes left, fans see echoes of that magic.
As Saturday’s third round progresses, the galleries swell, and the stakes rise. Will Korda orchestrate another virtuoso performance, or will a new contender steal the spotlight? For now, the fans—both in Arizona and online—are betting on their star. “She’s the puppet master,” Mitchell said with a grin. “Everyone else is just along for the ride.”
The final act awaits.
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