Nelly Korda

At just 15 years old, Nelly Korda won the girls' division by an impressive 11 strokes in the 39th Junior PGA Championship, held at Miramont Country Club in Bryan, Texas. Her victory was a statement of her burgeoning talent in the golf world, coming six years after her sister Jessica claimed the same title in 2006. Korda's extraordinary performance included shooting an 8-under-par 64 in the third round, which not only positioned her well ahead of the competition but also highlighted her potential to follow in her sister's footsteps as a future star in the sport. This win was critical in establishing her reputation as a promising young player as she transitioned into her elite amateur career before turning professional.

Nelly Korda began her professional golf career at the age of 18 by joining the Symetra Tour, which is the developmental tour for the LPGA. Her decision to turn professional came after a successful amateur career, where she was recognized as one of the most promising young golfers. In her 2016 season on the Symetra Tour, Korda showed glimpses of her future potential by winning her first professional event and earning her LPGA Tour card for 2017. Turning professional was a significant transition for Korda as it marked her entry into the high-stakes world of professional golf. Her swift move through the ranks demonstrated her talent and ambition to succeed on the bigger stages of the sport.

Nelly Korda claimed her first win on the professional circuit at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship, which marked her entry into the winners' circle on the LPGA Tour. The tournament took place at the Ta Shee Golf and Country Club in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Her performance was characterized by consistent and brilliant golf under challenging conditions, leading her to victory after shooting a closing 68. This win was pivotal as it confirmed her potential as a rising star in women's golf, propelling her career forward. It also marked the third time a Korda sister claimed victory on the LPGA, continuing a family tradition of success in professional golf. She held off tough competition from well-established players to secure this significant win.

Nelly Korda secured her first victory on the LPGA Tour by winning the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open. The tournament took place at the Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia. Korda's win was particularly significant as she joined her illustrious family in achieving success in professional sports. Her father and sister are also professional athletes. This milestone also made her and her sister Jessica Korda the third set of sisters to win on the LPGA Tour, following in the footsteps of the Sorenstam and Jutanugarn sisters. Her triumph at the tournament not only marked her rise in professional golf but also solidified her status as one of the promising new talents in women's golf. This victory started what would become a series of impressive performances on the LPGA circuit.

Nelly Korda began her 2020 season with a victory at the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio held in Boca Raton, Florida. This event was part of the LPGA Tour and marked another important victory in her career. Korda's performance was a demonstration of her formidable skills on the golf course with strong drives and an impeccable short game. Her triumph at this event added to her growing list of professional wins and emphasized her consistency on the tour. Amidst competitive fields and numerous challenges, Korda's win at the Gainbridge LPGA showed her resilience and commitment, drawing her closer to the top ranks of professional women golfers worldwide at the time.

Nelly Korda captured her first major championship title at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, held at the Atlanta Athletic Club. She delivered an outstanding performance, closing with a final-round 68 to win by three strokes. With this victory, Korda ascended to the No. 1 spot in the Women's World Golf Rankings for the first time in her career, becoming only the third American woman in history to achieve this feat since the inception of the rankings. Her win was marked by incredible consistency and powerful play, particularly in her iron shots and putting under pressure. This major win cemented her place as one of the dominant figures in women's golf, building on her series of victories throughout the year. The triumph at a major championship further solidified her reputation for composure and excellence on the course.

Nelly Korda delivered a magnificent performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), winning the gold medal in women's individual golf. The event took place at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama, Japan. Korda's victory added to an incredible year where she also won her first major championship. The win was particularly notable as it marked the return of golf in the Olympics and showcased Korda's dominance in the sport. Her composure and skill over the four-day event, culminating in a final round 69, demonstrated her exceptional talent and potential for future success. With this win, Korda became only the second American woman to win gold in Olympic golf and the first since Margaret Abbott in 1900, a historic achievement for both her and American golf.

Nelly Korda achieved the distinguished position of the world number one ranked female golfer following her incredible performances in 2021, which included winning an Olympic Gold Medal and her first major title at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. This ascent to the top of the Women's World Golf Rankings reflects her remarkable talent, determination, and consistency on the tour. Her positioning as number one was a significant milestone in her career and in American golf, making her only the third American woman to hold this position in the history of the LPGA and the world rankings. As a world-class athlete, Korda continues to inspire many with her dedication and impressive skill set.

Nelly Korda revealed via social media that she had been diagnosed with a blood clot in her arm, which prompted her to take a break from playing professional golf to address her health. The diagnosis was made after she experienced swelling in her arm following a workout. This health scare came after a year where she dominated the LPGA Tour and conquered multiple events, raising concerns about her health impacting her professional performance. The announcement led to widespread support from fans and fellow players as the golfing community wished her a speedy recovery. This event was a crucial personal and professional moment as it underscored the challenges athletes can face abruptly, even when at the peak of their careers.

Nelly Korda emerged victorious at The Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America, located in The Colony, Texas. The victory was a testament to her continued excellence on the golf course, as she navigated challenging conditions and a competitive field to secure the win. The tournament added another important title to her already remarkable career, showcasing her skills and endurance in professional golf. Her ability to compete at such a high level consistently has solidified her reputation as one of the top players on the LPGA Tour. This win reaffirmed her status as a leading figure in women's golf and contributed to her growing legacy in the sport.