Under the sweltering sun at the Kasumigaseki Country Club, Team USA’s Jessica Korda felt the hottest she’s ever been on a golf course.
But Korda still shot even-par during the first round of the women’s Olympic golf tournament, as she and her sister Nelly played well with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
“I’ve won in Thailand and I’ve won in Malaysia. This is a whole ‘nother beast of heat,” the 14th-ranked and 28-year-old Jessica Korda said. “When you feel it radiating inside the cups, you know it’s pretty hot out there. So just trying to stay present was the goal today.”
Nelly, who is 23 and ranked No. 1, placed second in the first round, behind Sweden’s Madelene Sagström by a single stroke.
Oher Team USA members didn’t combat the heat as gracefully. World No. 12 Lexi Thompson’s caddie Jack Fulghum left the match after the 15th hole. Thompson still had a strong finish, hitting three birdies on the back nine and made it into the second round.
“It’s so hot out there,” Thompson said. “I’m from Florida and I’m still not used to that bad of heat.”