Overview
- Korda posted a thank-you on Instagram after receiving the custom Nike shoes from LeBron James before the tournament.
- She began her opening round at Riviera wearing the gifted shoes but switched to her regular Nike golf shoes after six holes when fit concerns emerged.
- Golf Channel reporter Amy Rodgers said the custom shoes appeared to be "a little bit too loose" and could have caused issues with Korda’s swing.
- LeBron responded to Korda’s social post by wishing her luck and media outlets reported the on-course swap live, with her trainer fetching the spare shoes from the locker room.
- Korda enters the event as one of the favorites based on her 2026 form, and the episode underscores how celebrity attention and equipment fit can have immediate, practical effects on elite athletes.