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What separates the good from the great in women’s golf? Megan Khang gave her insights on this question in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. She also revealed the one thing she’d steal from her close friend if she could. So, let’s find out more about what she said. When asked what part of Nelly Korda’s game she’d take, Khang’s answer wasn’t about technique or skill. The World No. 2’s relentless work ethic stands out above everything else. “I admire Nelly’s grind, and I can attest to how much work she puts in.” Khang sees it up close. The two share houses during tournaments. They grab coffee together. They navigate the grueling eight-hour days on the golf course side by side. That dedication has produced results. Korda captured seven LPGA Tour victories in 2024, winning five consecutive tournaments from January through April. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad But Korda’s 2025 season tells a different story. She hasn’t won in 16 starts. Yet her practice routine remains unchanged. She works 4-6 hours daily, takes lessons 3-4 times per week, and maintains a 69.70 scoring average. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The friendship sustains them through the grind. Alison Lee joins their coffee runs and dinner outings. Lee returned to competition in September 2025, just four months after giving birth. “It’s eight hours on the golf course and just to be able to kind of joke around after and have dinners and not talk about golf is great.” When both Khang and Lee missed the cut at the Kroger Queen City Championship, they turned disappointment into joy. Khang recalled the moment fondly. “We missed the cut, but we’re like, you know, let’s just go hang out with the baby. Let’s go have some fun.” Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Yet Khang’s admiration for Nelly started years before these tour moments. It began with a different Korda altogether. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad How Jessica Korda mentored Megan Khang on tour Jessica Korda spotted Khang when she first joined the tour. Then came the guidance that would shape her early career. “Oh, you’re Nelly’s friend. All right, just stick with me, kid.” That early mentorship shaped Khang’s tour experience. The Korda sisters created a welcoming environment for younger players. “That family’s been very great to me.” The connections run deep. Khang, Nelly, and Lee shared junior golf ties dating back to their teenage years. Their friendship strengthened at the 2015 Junior Solheim Cup, where they were paired together in an alternate shot format. Khang went 5-0 that week, helping Team USA win. As the years passed on tour, their bond deepened. They started a coffee group chat. They shared practice rounds. They found family-owned restaurants where they could show up in sweats and not care. Khang reflected on her friendships thoughtfully. “I think each of my friends that I’ve surrounded myself with, there’s something I can admire about everyone.” But Nelly’s relentless dedication stands apart—that’s what separates good from great on the LPGA Tour.
