Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked female golfer, is no stranger to making headlines, whether it’s for her record-tying five consecutive LPGA Tour victories, her Olympic gold medal, or her two major championships. But during a recent interview, the 26-year-old American shared a surprising and lighthearted story from her time in France that has fans buzzing—a tale involving an unexpected hotel invite from a fellow golfer. The name of the golfer? None other than PGA Tour star **Rory McIlroy**.
### An Unexpected Connection in France
The incident occurred during the 2019 Lacoste Ladies Open de France, where Korda clinched a commanding eight-shot victory, one of her three Ladies European Tour titles. While in France, Korda received a message that caught her off guard: an invitation from McIlroy, the four-time major champion, to join him and a group of players for a casual hangout at his hotel. “I was like, ‘Wait, Rory McIlroy knows who I am?’” Korda recalled with a laugh, reflecting on the moment during a podcast appearance. “It was so random, but honestly, super cool.”
Korda, known for her reserved demeanor and preference for staying out of the spotlight, admitted she was initially hesitant. “I’m kind of shy, so getting an invite like that was a little overwhelming,” she said. “But Rory was so chill about it, just wanting to connect and talk golf.” The invitation came as McIlroy, who was in France for a European Tour event, heard Korda was in town and reached out through a mutual contact. The two ended up chatting about their respective seasons, sharing stories about the grind of professional golf and their mutual love for the sport.
### A Meeting of Golfing Greats
The encounter is particularly noteworthy because it highlights the camaraderie that exists across the men’s and women’s tours, despite their separate schedules and circuits. McIlroy, a vocal advocate for growing the game, has often praised Korda’s talent, even likening her consistency and poise to his own approach early in his career. “Nelly’s the real deal,” McIlroy said in a 2021 interview. “She’s got this quiet confidence, but her game speaks volumes. It’s no surprise she’s dominating.”
For Korda, the interaction was a memorable moment in a career filled with high-pressure situations. “Rory’s one of those guys you grow up watching, and to have him reach out was just surreal,” she said. The meetup wasn’t a formal event but rather a relaxed gathering, with Korda describing it as “a bunch of golfers geeking out over swings and putts.” She also noted McIlroy’s sense of humor, recalling how he jokingly challenged her to a putting contest that never materialized. “I probably would’ve lost,” she quipped.
### A Family of Champions and a Shy Superstar
Korda’s story adds another layer to her already fascinating journey. Born into a family of elite athletes—her father, Petr, won the 1998 Australian Open in tennis, her mother, Regina, was a professional tennis player, and her siblings, Jessica and Sebastian, are a professional golfer and tennis player, respectively—Nelly has always been surrounded by competitive spirit. Yet, despite her global fame, she remains introverted, often shying away from the media frenzy that comes with being World No. 1. Her appearance at the Met Gala in 2024 surprised many, given her preference for low-key activities like building Lego sets to unwind from the pressures of the tour.
This humility makes stories like the McIlroy hotel invite all the more endearing. Korda’s ability to stay grounded while navigating the demands of stardom is part of what makes her relatable to fans and respected by peers. “She’s not out there chasing the spotlight, but when she lets you in, you see how genuine she is,” said fellow LPGA pro Lexi Thompson, who has played alongside Korda in multiple Solheim Cups.
### What’s Next for Nelly?
As Korda prepares for the 2025 LPGA season, with the Chevron Championship on the horizon, she continues to cement her legacy as one of golf’s brightest stars. Her 2024 season was historic, with seven tournament wins, including a second major at the Chevron Championship, earning her the LPGA Tour Player of the Year Award. Despite a disappointing finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where a double bogey derailed her chances of defending her gold medal, Korda’s focus remains forward-looking. “Every week is a new chance to learn and get better,” she said.
The McIlroy story is a reminder that even at the pinnacle of her sport, Korda is still a young athlete navigating the highs and lows of fame, forging connections with fellow stars, and cherishing the unexpected moments that make her journey unique. As for whether she’ll take McIlroy up on another invite in the future? “Maybe next time I’ll challenge him to that putting contest,” she said with a grin. “But don’t tell him I said that.”
For now, fans can only imagine the sight of two golfing titans sharing a laugh over a missed putt or a well-struck drive, proving that even in a competitive sport, it’s the human connections that often leave the lasting impression.
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