A symbolic jersey on the practice green
World No. 1 Nelly Korda turned heads at the U.S. Women’s Open when she stepped onto the practice fairway wearing a U.S. men’s soccer jersey. The attire was not a fashion statement but a deliberate expression of patriotism as the tournament approached its decisive stages.
Korda, who has already secured three victories this year including the Chevron Championship, explained that the jersey’s number 13 holds deep personal meaning. The number, she said, is more than a digit; it is a reminder of milestones in her career and a tribute to the legacy of U.S. women’s soccer.
The number 13 also resonates with American soccer history, recalling the impact of Alex Morgan, whose own jersey bore the same numeral. Korda’s choice therefore bridges two sports traditions, reinforcing her connection to the broader American athletic community.
Beyond symbolism, Korda is focused on adding another milestone to her résumé: a victory at this week’s U.S. Women’s Open in California. The tournament will test her against the sport’s elite, and she enters as the top‑ranked player, fresh from a T‑2 finish at last year’s Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.
Her excitement extends to the Solheim Cup, where she will represent the United States in Amsterdam. The event, scheduled for later this year, promises to be a showcase of international competition, and Korda’s jersey serves as a prelude to that larger narrative.