Evian, France — World No. 1 Nelly Korda missed her first LPGA cut in two years at the Amundi Evian Championship, a stunning collapse that handed the tournament lead to rising star Lottie Woad. Korda shot 74-78 over two rounds, finishing at +10, 12 strokes off the cut line. It ended a streak of 29 consecutive made cuts dating back to October 2024.
Korda had won four LPGA titles in 2026 before arriving at Evian. The 731-day streak was the longest active run on tour. The miss came on a course known for punishing mistakes: wind gusted to 25 mph during Friday’s second round, and pin positions were tucked near water hazards on six holes. Korda carded five double-bogeys across 36 holes.
“I just couldn’t get anything going,” Korda said after her round, according to BBC Sport. “The wind, the pressure—it all added up.” Analysts pointed to accumulated fatigue. Korda played 11 tournaments in 14 weeks leading into Evian, including two wins and a runner-up finish. The mental toll of defending No. 1 ranking at a major was evident: she ranked 143rd in the field in driving accuracy (57.1%) and 152nd in greens in regulation (44.4%).
While Korda exits, Lottie Woad seized the spotlight. The 22-year-old Englishwoman leads the tournament at -7 after rounds of 66 and 69. Woad, a former amateur standout who turned pro in 2025, has not dropped a single shot in her last 27 holes. Her putting average of 1.45 per green is best in the field, per LPGA stats. She will tee off in the final group for Round 3 at 2:40 PM local time (8:40 AM ET), paired with Japan’s Ayaka Furue.
The dual narrative is stark. Woad’s composure contrasts with Korda’s unraveling. For Korda, the road to redemption begins with the AIG Women’s Open in two weeks. Historical precedent offers hope: in 2023, Korda missed a cut at the Chevron Championship, then won her next start. She has never missed back-to-back cuts in her LPGA career.
Round 3 tee times for the Amundi Evian Championship are set for 7:30 AM local time. Gates open at 6:00 AM. Live coverage runs on Golf Channel from 8:00 AM ET.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Nelly Korda miss the cut at the Evian Championship?
- A: Korda struggled with windy conditions (up to 25 mph) and tight pin placements, carding five double-bogeys across 36 holes. Accumulated fatigue from playing 11 tournaments in 14 weeks also contributed, along with the mental pressure of defending her No. 1 ranking at a major.
- Q: How long was Nelly Korda’s streak of made cuts before the Evian Championship?
- A: Her streak of 29 consecutive made cuts spanned 731 days, dating back to October 2024, and was the longest active run on the LPGA Tour.
- Q: Who is leading the Amundi Evian Championship after Nelly Korda’s exit?
- A: Rising star Lottie Woad, a 22-year-old Englishwoman who turned pro in 2025, leads the tournament at -7 after rounds of 66 and 69. She has not dropped a single shot in her last 27 holes and leads the field in putting average.
- Q: What were Nelly Korda’s key statistics during the Evian Championship?
- A: Korda ranked 143rd in driving accuracy (57.1%) and 152nd in greens in regulation (44.4%) among the field, reflecting her struggles off the tee and with approach shots.
Extended Reading
BBC Sport – Evian Championship: Lottie Woad leads as Nelly Korda misses cut | Yahoo Sports – Nelly Korda misses first LPGA cut in two years