Nelly Korda returns to the LPGA leaderboard this week at the Dow Championship in Midland, Michigan.
The world No. 1 captured her first US Women's Open title just days ago at Riviera, edging Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez by one shot. Now, after that demanding stretch of major tournaments, she's stepping away from solo play.
Instead, Korda is teaming up with German golfer Olivia Cowan, chasing the top spot on the Dow leaderboard. The pair has already nicknamed themselves "Team Legally Blonde."
LPGA Dow Championship Format Explained
The Dow Championship stands out on the LPGA schedule because the team tournament ditches standard stroke play.
Instead, squads compete for leaderboard spots over 72 holes in two alternating formats. In foursomes rounds, partners hit alternate shots that test player trust and chemistry. In four-ball rounds, however, both golfers hit their own ball, with the better score counting.
And Cowan's steady accuracy complements Korda's length off the tee.
Still, the real draw may be their friendship off the green. Korda said she wanted a lighter week after her solo LPGA Tour grind, and the Dow Championship format offers exactly that.
"It is really nice to switch it up, especially when we’re in the midst of major season," she said. "We have so many in a row where, after AIG, you’re just kind of like burned out, mentally. So, it gives you a little bit more of a boost where you’re maybe smiling a little bit more, having more fun on the golf course."
Korda and Cowan kick off their Dow Championship run at noon, looking to catch Denmark's Nicole Broch Estrup and Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh atop the LPGA leaderboard today.
