Nelly Korda Credits Simple Equipment Change for Big Improvement in 2026

Nelly Korda’s return to dominant form in 2026 has been fueled by a surprisingly small adjustment—one that starts with her footwear.

The American star has enjoyed a remarkable season so far, capturing the Chevron Championship before adding another title at the Riviera Maya Open. Those victories have helped her reclaim the World No. 1 ranking and reestablish herself as the player to beat on the LPGA Tour.

While many fans might assume a major swing overhaul or equipment switch sparked her resurgence, Korda revealed that the biggest change she made during the offseason was far simpler.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Korda explained that a modification to her golf shoes has had a significant impact on her swing mechanics.

“The biggest thing that I changed from last year actually is that I have higher shoes,” Korda said.

According to Korda, the added height allows her to position herself differently throughout the swing. The adjustment helps her get her chest closer to the ground, which in turn creates a slightly steeper swing path and a quicker wrist hinge.

“I’m trying to actually get closer to the ground with my chest, and with that being, I actually get a little bit steeper in my swing and I hinge it a little faster,” she explained.

Although the change may sound minor, Korda emphasized that even the smallest details can make a major difference at the highest level of golf.

“It’s literally just the smallest of things, but golfers are crazy. I’m crazy just to let you know,” she joked.

The results speak for themselves.

After going winless throughout the 2025 season, Korda has already collected three victories in 2026 and once again sits atop the women’s world rankings. Her recent performances have showcased the consistency and confidence that made her one of the most dominant players in the sport.

Korda’s comments also highlight the attention to detail required to compete at the elite level. In professional golf, even a slight change in posture, balance, or equipment can influence swing mechanics and ultimately impact performance.

For Korda, a modest tweak to her shoes appears to have unlocked another level of success, helping her return to the winner’s circle and reclaim her position as the best player in women’s golf.