Nelly Korda explains why she disagrees with Justin Thomas' take on eve of U.S. Women's Open

Nelly Korda says she disagrees with Justin Thomas' take that playing major championship golf is harder when there is an expectation to contend. 

The reigning World No.1 is among the favourites to win the second women's major of the year this week. 

Korda and 155 others will take to Erin Hills on Thursday for the U.S. Women's Open. 

The American is in a star-studded group alongside her Solheim Cup teammate Lexi Thompson and England's Charley Hull. 

"I'm excited to see how this week is going to play out," Korda told reporters at her news conference on Tuesday in Wisconsin. 

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul is the favourite, followed by Korda, Hae Ran Ryu and Ruoning Yin. 

Korda was asked by one reporter if she agrees with Thomas' opinion that one of the hardest things to do in professional golf is play good when there is an expectation to deliver. 

Thomas spoke about that when he finally ended his drought on the PGA Tour at the RBC Heritage last month. 

Korda had a simply dominant 2024 season that saw her step into the winner's circle on seven occasions. 

That included five consecutive wins at the beginning of the season and her second major title at the Chevron Championship. 

The 26-year-old also finished runner-up at the AIG Women's Open.

"I don't try and think about it," Korda when asked about expectations. 

"Definitely when you're a higher ranked player or you're more popular there is more pressure on you just from outside perspective when it comes to media, fans coming out it to watch you play.

"If you want to feel it, you will feel it, but I think what's really important is just kind of sticking to your game plan and being really focused on what you're doing present time, and that's really helped me."

Korda added: "Every year something has tested me, and every year I learn a little bit more about myself and how to handle myself in some situations. 

"So yeah, I think it's all about putting yourself into that position.

"But at the end of the day, you're the one that put yourself there, and you have to be grateful that you are in that spot, and you kind of have to just enjoy even the pressure."

Korda delivers early verdict on new LPGA commissioner

The LPGA Tour announced a new commissioner last week. 

Craig Kessler, the former chief operating officer at the PGA of America, will replace Mollie Marcoux Samaan. 

Samaan resigned in January. Korda said she has briefly spoken to Kessler. 

"I think he's a great person from the interactions that I've had with him," she said.  

"He has so much energy, so much positivity that I think it's going to be really good for the LPGA."

Kessler starts officially in mid-July.

"I think we'll sit down and talk a few more times," Korda said. 

"I just met with him really briefly. But I think maybe at KPMG [Women's PGA Championship] we'll see each other. 

"I don't know, I think his first day is mid-July. So I'm sure that he has a lot on his plate right now and we'll catch up."