What's the secret behind Nelly Korda's buttery-smooth golf swing? According to the world No. 1, it's as simple as a childhood mantra: "coca-cola."

Fresh off her 18th LPGA Tour victory at the 2026 Riviera Maya Open, Korda joined the Pat McAfee Show to break down her game. While she touched on her recent major championship win and overall dominance, the most captivating moment came when she revealed the origin of her famously fluid tempo.

When McAfee asked how her swing has evolved over the years, Korda first credited her swing coach, David Whelan, for shaping her current mechanics. But she was quick to highlight the foundational influence of her parents—especially a simple cue from her dad that has stayed with her since childhood.

"My parents spent so many hours with me just working on tempo," Korda explained. "That is the one thing they ingrained into my brain. My dad always referred to it as 'coca-cola…'"

What started as a playful rhythm-building exercise became the bedrock of her entire swing. The "coca-cola" mantra isn't about strict timing—it's about preventing any sense of rushing. By anchoring her tempo to that easy, two-beat cadence, Korda developed the smooth sequencing that makes her swing look effortless.

"That was the key," she said. "It was super simple, but it was the key to having a very fluid swing."

Want to add this to your own game? Start at half speed. Take a few practice swings focusing only on a steady rhythm, not mechanics. Once that feels natural, gradually increase your speed while keeping that same tempo. Use your transition as a checkpoint: if your downswing feels jerky or rushed, your tempo is off. Remember, great swings stay smooth through that change of direction.