Nelly Korda, at just 27 years old, stands as one of the most accomplished figures in women’s golf, with a career that has redefined excellence on the LPGA Tour. Born on July 28, 1998, in Bradenton, Florida, into a family of elite athletes—her father Petr Korda, a 1998 Australian Open tennis champion, her mother Regina Rajchrtová, a former professional tennis player, her sister Jessica, a six-time LPGA winner, and her brother Sebastian, a rising ATP tennis star—Korda’s path to greatness seemed almost predestined. However, recent speculation about her potential retirement, fueled by unverified reports and her 2025 season challenges, has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts. This article explores Korda’s illustrious career, her current standing, and the validity of retirement rumors, while celebrating the players who have shone brightly alongside her.
### A Stellar Career: Dominance and Milestones
Korda’s journey in golf began early, with her picking up a club at age six and displaying prodigious talent. As an amateur, she won prestigious titles like the 2015 Harder Hall Invitational and PING Invitational, and even made the cut at the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open at just 14. Turning professional in 2016 on the Symetra Tour, she secured her first win at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge, earning her LPGA Tour card for 2017.
Her breakout came in 2018 with her first LPGA victory at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship, making her and sister Jessica the third pair of sisters to win on the LPGA Tour. In 2019, she defended her Taiwan title and won the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, while also making history with Jessica as the first sisters to pair up in a Solheim Cup match. By 2021, Korda’s career skyrocketed: she claimed her first major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, won Olympic gold in Tokyo, and ascended to World No. 1, a ranking she held for significant periods in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
The 2024 season was Korda’s pinnacle, with seven LPGA wins, including a record-tying five consecutive victories and her second major at the Chevron Championship. Her 15 LPGA Tour wins, two majors, and estimated $15 million in career earnings, bolstered by endorsements from Nike, TaylorMade, and Rolex, have cemented her as a global icon. Her poise, powerful swing, and advocacy for faster play in golf have made her a role model, while her cameo in *Happy Gilmore 2* and relatable social media presence have broadened her appeal.
Players like **Jessica Korda**, her sister and mentor, deserve praise for paving the way, offering guidance during Nelly’s early career and sharing historic Solheim Cup moments. **Lydia Ko**, a frequent rival, has been exceptional, with her 2024 resurgence, including a bounce-back season and consistent top finishes, pushing Korda to elevate her game. **Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul**, who overtook Korda for World No. 1 in August 2025, showcased remarkable consistency with wins at the Mizuho Americas Open and PIF Saudi Ladies International, challenging Korda’s dominance with eight top-10s in 2025.
### Retirement Rumors: Fact or Fiction?
Recent reports from sources like ussportupdate.com and sportprocess.co.uk have claimed Korda announced her retirement from professional golf in 2025, citing ongoing health issues, particularly neck spasms, and a desire to step away at the peak of her career at age 26 or 27. These reports suggest her decision was driven by persistent injuries, including a 2022 blood clot in her arm and recurring neck issues that disrupted her 2025 season, where she went winless in 12 starts despite a T2 at the U.S. Women’s Open and a runner-up at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
However, these retirement claims lack credible corroboration from primary sources like Korda herself, her team, or the LPGA. No official statement from Korda or her representatives has confirmed such a decision, and her active participation in the 2025 Amundi Evian Championship, as noted in recent updates, suggests she remains committed to competing. The rumors appear to stem from sensationalized headlines, possibly misinterpreting her comments about physical challenges or her loss of the World No. 1 ranking to Thitikul after a T36 finish at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open. Korda’s own words, “I don’t really have anything more to prove to people, ever,” reflect confidence rather than an intent to retire.
Her health challenges are real—neck spasms have limited her practice, and the 2022 blood clot required surgery and a lengthy recovery—but Korda’s history of resilience suggests she’s far from done. After her 2022 setback, she returned to win the 2022 Pelican Women’s Championship and dominated in 2024. Her current season, while winless, still includes $1.8 million in earnings and strong performances, indicating she remains a top contender. The depth of competition, as noted by fellow pro **Andrea Lee**, who commented on the tour’s unprecedented difficulty in 2025, has made wins harder, but Korda’s track record suggests she can rebound.
### The Road Ahead
At 27, Korda is in her prime, with a resume boasting 15 LPGA wins, two majors, and an Olympic gold medal. Her family’s support, particularly from Jessica, who is on hiatus after giving birth in 2024, and her partner, NHL player Andreas Athanasiou, provides a strong foundation. While injuries pose challenges, her determination, refined swing, and mental toughness—honed by coach Jamie Mulligan (contrary to false reports of his passing)—position her for a comeback. Speculation about retirement seems premature, likely fueled by her 2025 struggles rather than concrete evidence.
Korda’s legacy is already secure, but her focus appears to be on reclaiming the top spot and adding to her major tally. As she competes in events like the Evian Championship, fans can expect the same grit that saw her triumph over adversity before. The golf world should celebrate players like **Lexi Thompson**, whose 2018 CME Group Tour Championship win over Korda showcased the tour’s competitiveness, and **Lizette Salas**, who pushed Korda to her limits in the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. These rivals, alongside Korda’s own brilliance, ensure women’s golf remains thrilling, with Nelly Korda at its heart—not retiring, but reloading for the next chapter.
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