Nelly Korda, the current world number one in women’s golf, is set to make her debut at the Women’s Scottish Open this weekend. An accomplished athlete, Korda earned an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. She first ascended to the top of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings in 2021 and has maintained that position since March 2024.
In a recent interview with Town & Country, Korda discussed the evolution of women’s golf, maintaining balance while on tour, and how she expresses her individuality in the sport.
Early Passion for Golf
Korda’s relationship with sports began in childhood, fostered by her family’s athletic background. “I fell in love with golf at a young age, watching my older sister Jessica play. She paved the way for me in many ways,” Korda reflected, emphasizing the influence of her sibling on her journey.
Bringing Personality to the Course
Traditions in golf often dictate a subdued decorum, but Korda advocates for authenticity in the sport. “I’ve always believed in bringing my full self to the game,” she explained, noting her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue as a significant step in representing women in a broader context. On the course, she prefers a sleek, athletic style while opting for more expressive looks off the greens to help recharge after competitions.
Advocating for Women’s Golf
Korda believes increased visibility is crucial for the advancement of women’s golf. She remarked, “As LPGA Tour players, we need the opportunity to showcase our talent.” Highlighting initiatives like T-Mobile’s sponsorship of featured group coverage, Korda expressed optimism about securing similar opportunities for women’s events that have been more common in men’s golf.
Korda received the Rolex Player of the Year and Rolex Annika Major Award at the 2024 LPGA Rolex Players Awards.
Essentials for Life on Tour
Korda shared that her phone is an indispensable item during her travels. “Staying grounded means keeping in touch with my family,” she said, emphasizing the importance of daily communication through their family group text. This connection serves as a reminder of her purpose in the sport. Additionally, she mentioned that she never travels without her white scrunchie, which she considers a necessity.
Korda engages with fans during the 2025 Founders Cup in Bradenton, Florida.
Lessons from Professional Sports
Korda recognized that transitioning to a professional golfer involves much more than performance. “You realize how much you’re also representing the game,” she said. Understanding how the public perceives athletes has been significant for her, and she has embraced the impact she can make through her platform. This includes interactions with fans, whether after a round is successful or not, as these moments might profoundly affect someone’s day. Korda reminds herself to allow for personal imperfections, acknowledging that athletes are human too.
A close-up of Korda’s golf bag at the 2025 Amundi Evian Championship.
Personal Passions Beyond Golf
Beyond her athletic commitments, Korda has found joy in cooking. “It’s relaxing, creative, and completely different from golf,” she shared. For Korda, cooking serves as a refreshing escape, where she can unwind with music and culinary experiments, free from competition and pressure.
