After a planned seven-week break from the LPGA Tour, world No. 1 Nelly Korda is back in action, kicking off her 2024 title defense at the 2025 Ford Championship on Thursday afternoon.
Last year, Korda made history with a five-tournament winning streak, but this year, the 26-year-old has taken a more strategic approach, opting out of the tour’s recent Asia swing after starting her 2025 season with two Top 10 finishes.
“It’s always nice to take time off when you’re not injured and hopefully improve, catching up on any lost time,” Korda told Golfweek on Wednesday.
Rest has also been a key part of world No. 3 Lydia Ko's strategy. The New Zealander arrives at the Phoenix event after a three-week break, carrying momentum from her 23rd career title, which she secured at the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore on March 2nd.
Korda and Ko will be joined by all 10 of the LPGA's top-ranked players at the Ford Championship, marking the first time this year the entire top 10 will compete together. Among them are Australia’s No. 5 Hannah Green, the US's No. 6 Lilia Vu, and South Korea’s No. 8 Jin Young Ko, all vying for a share of the $2.25 million purse.
