LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Nelly Korda is the favorite to win the U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club. She's won six of her last seven tournaments and is the unquestioned number-one player in women's golf.
On Tuesday, 13-year-old Annabelle Stoltzfoos got the chance to ask a question at Korda's official pre-tournament press conference. Annabelle was chosen for the honor through a family connection looking for a student-athlete in the area to help with a women in sports promotion. The teenager didn't hesitate when it was her turn with the microphone.
"I'm Annabelle, I'm 13 and I'm from Lancaster," she began. "What's some advice that you would give to your 13-year-old self?"
Concise and to the point. Korda was thoughtful with her response.
"A piece of advice that I would give to my 13-year-old self?" Korda repeated. "I would say to stay true to yourself. There's going to be expectations from people around you, and the best thing that you can ever do is stay true to yourself, stay your course."
The opportunity to meet Korda and the exchange left a lasting impression on both Annabelle and her parents, Jeff and Jill.
"She was a very cheerful person," smiled Annabelle. "She was very happy and inviting, she's just really cool."
"She talked about truth, clarity and honesty," said Jeff Stoltzfoos. "It was quite moving. For a 24 to 25-year-old to speak that clearly and confidently is super impressive. I'm sure millions of young girls are motivated by that."
"She was very personable," added Jill Stoltzfoos. "Very down to earth, very approachable which was fun to see in real life."
Annabelle is a volunteer for the event and will be a standard bearer, carrying around a scoreboard for a group of golfers once the competition begins on Thursday.
Nelly Korda tees off at 8:13 am on Thursday on the 10th tee and 1:58 pm on Friday off the 1st tee.
The U.S. Women's Open concludes with the final round on Sunday at Lancaster Country Club.