Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko Switch Equipment After First Round at LPGA Season Opener
World No.1 Nelly Korda and World No.2 Lydia Ko both made significant equipment adjustments after the first round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, leading to improved second-round performances.
Korda switched from her TaylorMade Qi35 driver back to the Qi10 model, despite hitting 12 of 14 fairways in round one. She explained the change was needed to boost confidence, noting "if you're not confident in one part of your game it kind of leaks to everything else." The switch resulted in 10 fairways hit and a five-under-par 67.
Two women playing golf together
Ko also made an equipment change, returning to her trusted Scotty Cameron Prototype putter after an underwhelming 31 putts in round one. The adjustment paid off as she needed only 28 putts in round two, also posting a 67.
Woman golfing during swing
Currently, Korda sits in tied third at six-under-par, four shots behind leader A Lim Kim. Ko credited her improved performance to returning to familiar equipment, stating "sometimes when it's so forgiving or makes it easier, I think it takes the athleticism out a little bit."
Golfer mid-swing on golf course
Woman putting golf ball on green
Both players' mid-tournament adjustments highlight the importance of equipment confidence, even for the world's top-ranked players. Their improved second-round scores validate their decisions to return to familiar, trusted equipment.