World-famous golfer Nelly Korda gives advice to Lancaster teenager

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Nelly Korda is the favorite to win the U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club. She has won six of her last seven tournaments and is the undisputed number one player in women's golf.

On Tuesday, 13-year-old Annabelle Stoltzfoos had the opportunity to ask a question during Korda's official pre-tournament press conference. Annabelle was chosen for this honor through a family connection looking for a student-athlete in the area to help promote women in sports. The teenager didn't hesitate when it was her turn to hold the microphone.

“My name is Annabelle, I'm 13 and I'm from Lancaster,” she began. “What advice would you give to your 13-year-old self? »

Concise and relevant. Korda was thoughtful in her response.

“Any advice I would give to my 13-year-old self?” Korda repeated. “I would say stay true to yourself. There will be expectations from the people around you, and the best thing you can do is stay true to yourself, stay the course.”

The opportunity to meet Korda and the exchange left a lasting impression on Annabelle and her parents, Jeff and Jill.

“She was a very happy person,” smiles Annabelle. “She was very happy and inviting, she’s just really cool.”

“She spoke about truth, clarity and honesty,” Jeff Stoltzfoos said. “It was quite moving. For a 24 or 25 year old to speak that clearly and confidently is very impressive. I'm sure millions of young girls are motivated by that.”

“She was very gracious,” added Jill Stoltzfoos. “Very down to earth, very approachable, which was fun to see in real life.”

Annabelle is volunteering for the event and will be the standard bearer, carrying a scoreboard for a group of golfers once the competition begins on Thursday.

Nelly Korda tees off at 8:13 a.m. Thursday on the 10th tee and at 1:58 p.m. Friday on the 1st tee.

The U.S. Women's Open concludes with the final round Sunday at Lancaster Country Club.

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