Nelly Korda opened her 2025 season in style at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, carding nine birdies for a seven-under 65. On most days, that would have been enough for a win, but A Lim Kim’s late surge edged her out. Reflecting on the setback, Korda shrugged it off, saying, “It’s just golf. You kind of just have to ride the wave.”
Unlike her previous season, where she racked up seven victories, this year brought more struggles—including losing the world No. 1 spot she had held for 71 straight weeks. Before the AIG Women’s Open, she admitted she no longer felt the need to prove herself, insisting her love for the game kept her going. But after finishing tied for 36th, her ranking slipped further, while Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul moved past her despite a modest showing.
Following that disappointment, Korda quietly stepped away from the spotlight. Fans wondered what was next—until she finally broke her silence with an Instagram post titled, “One month non golf dump 😁.” The photo series gave followers a glimpse into her life off the course: from stylish moments in Porthcawl, her birthday celebration on July 28, and training runs, to sightseeing in Prague and soaking in Europe’s coastal charm. The post ended with a self-care snapshot—Korda relaxing in bed with a face mask, hinting at her focus on rest and recovery.
What stood out, however, was the absence of any golf-related pictures. Clearly, Korda is prioritizing mental and physical reset before diving back into competition.
Comebacks are nothing new for Korda. At just 15, she battled through severe back pain that nearly ended her career, only to cut at the U.S. Women’s Open that same year. Two years later, she lifted her first Symetra Tour title. That resilience later carried her to world No. 1.
Now, after relinquishing the top spot, she faces another defining chapter. Her return is set for the CPKC Women’s Open (Aug 20–24) in Mississauga, Canada, followed by the Kroger Queen City Championship (Sept 11–14) in Ohio, where she impressed with a top-five finish last year. Both events present real chances to turn a frustrating season around.
For Korda, the climb back to the top is far from over. Whether this break fuels a resurgence or marks a turning point, her upcoming performances will shape her 2025 legacy. And if history is any guide, betting against her comeback wouldn’t be wise.
