Nelly Korda, born on July 28, 1998 in Bradenton, Florida, comes from an athletic family. Her father Petr Korda was a former professional tennis player who won the 1998 Australian Open, while her mother Regina Rajchrtova was also a successful tennis player. Nelly's older sister Jessica is an LPGA Tour player, and her younger brother Sebastian is a professional tennis player.
Korda began playing golf seriously at age 6, practicing 3-4 times per week. She had an illustrious amateur career, winning the 2015 Harder Hall Invitational and PING Invitational. Korda was a member of the 2015 U.S. Junior Solheim Cup team and made the cut at the 2013 U.S. Women's Open at just 14 years old.
Nelly Korda Professional Career
Korda turned professional in 2016, joining the Symetra Tour where she won her first event at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge. She earned her LPGA Tour card for 2017 by finishing 9th on the Symetra Tour money list.
Since joining the LPGA Tour, Korda has been dominant. She has won 14 times, including two major championships. In 2021, Korda won her first major at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and also claimed the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
Korda reached world #1 in the Rolex Rankings in 2023 and has held the top spot for 25 weeks. She is the reigning Olympic champion, having won gold in 2020.
2024 Season
Korda has been on a tear in 2024, winning 6 times already. She kicked off the year with 5 straight victories, matching Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam as the only women to ever accomplish that feat.
Korda's wins in 2024 include the LPGA Drive On Championship, Chevron Championship (her 2nd major), and the Mizuho Americas Open. She has already earned over $3.6 million this season.
Legacy and Impact
At just 26 years old, Nelly Korda has already cemented her place as one of the greatest players of her generation. Her 14 LPGA wins, 2 majors, Olympic gold, and time spent at world #1 are a testament to her immense talent and competitive drive.
Nelly Korda Summary
Korda has been a dominant force on the LPGA Tour since turning pro in 2016. With her athletic ability, powerful swing, and killer instinct, she has separated herself from the rest of the field. Korda's success has also helped grow the popularity of women's golf.
As Korda continues to chase more major championships and records, her legacy as one of the all-time greats is secure. She has inspired a new generation of young golfers with her play and serves as a role model both on and off the course.
