Nelly Korda confirms team partner as world number one returns to Dow Championship

Nelly Korda has confirmed she will return to the Dow Championship for the first time since 2022, teaming up with close friend Olivia Cowan for the LPGA Tour's unique team event in Michigan.

Korda, who has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2026 season, will partner with the Ladies European Tour winner at Midland Country Club from 11-14 June. 

The Dow Championship takes place the week after the U.S. Women's Open and marks the opening event of the LPGA's two-week Michigan swing.

World number one Korda last played the Dow Championship alongside her sister Jessica Korda in 2022, with the pair finishing tied eighth. 

Jessica will not be in the field this season after announcing earlier in the season that she is expecting her second child.

Korda and Cowan headline a strong early list of commitments for the popular team tournament.

Other notable pairings include Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang, while Lexi Thompson will join forces with Megan Khang after the duo finished runner-up to Somi Lee and Jin Hee Im in last year's event.

LPGA Hall of Famer Juli Inkster is also set to return, partnering Angel Yin. The seven-time major champion, now 65, last competed on the LPGA Tour at the 2025 Portland Classic and remains a mentor to Yin.

While Korda's return will generate plenty of attention, much of the focus will be on whether anyone can slow her remarkable run of form.

Korda has once again established herself as the player to beat on the LPGA, recording three victories and three runner-up finishes in her first seven starts of the season.

The 27-year-old American opened the year by winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions before producing one of the most consistent stretches of golf seen on tour in recent seasons. 

Across her first seven events, Korda finished outside the top two just once before recording a tie for eighth at the Kroger Queen City Championship.

Her biggest victory so far this season came at The Chevron Championship, where she claimed another major title with a commanding performance. 

Korda followed that success immediately with victory at the Riviera Maya Open, further extending her lead at the top of the world rankings.

Perhaps most impressive has been the quality of her scoring. 

Korda is an impressive 96-under par for her first seven tournaments of 2026. 

Next up for Korda is the season's second major of the season at the U.S Women's Open. 

Korda lines up as a red-hot favourite to win her first U.S. Women's Open and fourth career major title at Riviera from 4-7 June.