Nelly Korda targeting bounce back to form at women's British Open

Nelly Korda, currently ranked as the world's top female golfer at 26 years of age, is eager to regain her exceptional form from the beginning of the season as the women's British Open is set to take place at the historic St. Andrews course this week.

Korda achieved an impressive six victories in seven tournaments on the LPGA Tour from January to May, which included her second major title at the Chevron Championship.

However, her performance has declined since then, with her best result being a tie for 22nd place at the Olympics.

She faced challenges at the US Open and PGA Championship, missing the cut in both events, and finished tied for 26th at the Evian Championship, the other major of the season.

"I believe that what has been happening lately is that I make one mistake, and then I compound it with another," Korda remarked following a disappointing conclusion to her final round at the Paris Games, which eliminated her from the chance to defend the gold medal she secured in Tokyo.

"I need to manage that aspect better to avoid accumulating mistakes, which has been my recent pattern."

Lilia Vu, ranked second in the world and the defending champion, is experiencing St. Andrews for the first time and is excited about the opportunity to play at this iconic venue.

"I took photographs on the Swilcan Bridge yesterday and again today. It feels surreal, and I am trying to absorb every moment," the American stated.

"I am not placing excessive pressure on myself to defend my title. When you are defending something, it feels as though you have something to lose."

Vu will compete alongside Korda and last year's runner-up, Charley Hull, during the initial two rounds of the tournament.

Hull is regarded as the primary contender for victory on home soil, although she has been recovering from a shoulder injury that caused her to miss the Evian Championship last month. She is also hopeful that the temperatures on Scotland's east coast remain mild.

"When the weather is cold, it can aggravate the shoulder a bit. I also have degenerative arthritis in it, so I make an effort to keep it warm. Other than that, I am in good health and prepared to compete," Hull stated on Tuesday.

Currently ranked tenth in the world, Hull is eager to secure her first major title and achieving this at St. Andrews would hold particular significance for her.

"Naturally, it's the home of golf - winning here would be an extraordinary accomplishment, something I have always aspired to," Hull remarked.

"As I walk down the 17th and 18th holes, I experience goosebumps; it is quite exhilarating."

Following her gold medal victory in Paris, New Zealand's Lydia Ko is now focused on ending her eight-year quest to add to her two major championships.

In Scotland, there is more at stake than just prestige and the total prize purse of $9 million.

This event also serves as the final qualifying opportunity for both the European and American teams in preparation for next month's Solheim Cup.

Europe aims to defend the trophy for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time in Virginia, following a dramatic 14-14 tie between the teams last year in Spain.