Nelly Korda has emerged as a prominent figure in professional golf, captivating audiences with her exceptional talent, dedication, and poise both on and off the course. From her early beginnings to her remarkable achievements, including her personal life and ventures beyond golf, Korda’s journey is a testament to her multifaceted persona.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on 28 July 1998 in Bradenton, Florida, Nelly Korda was destined for athletic excellence. She hails from a family deeply rooted in sports; her father, Petr Korda, is a former professional tennis player and 1998 Australian Open champion, while her mother, Regina Rajchrtová, also competed professionally in tennis. This rich athletic lineage gave Nelly a supportive environment to nurture her sporting ambitions.
Rise to Golf Stardom
Nelly’s passion for golf was ignited at a young age. She turned professional in 2016, making an immediate impact on the Symetra Tour by clinching her first professional victory at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge. This triumph paved the way for her entry onto the LPGA Tour in 2017, where she continued to showcase her prowess.
Over the years, Korda’s dedication bore fruit as she amassed multiple LPGA Tour victories. By 2024, she had secured 14 LPGA wins, underscoring her consistent performance and resilience in the competitive realm of women’s golf. Her crowning achievement came in 2021 when she won her first major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which propelled her to the No. 1 spot in the Women’s World Golf Rankings.
Olympic Triumph
Beyond the greens of traditional tournaments, Nelly Korda’s Olympic journey is a career highlight. Representing the United States at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she performed outstandingly, clinching the gold medal in the women’s golf event. This victory solidified her status as a top-tier golfer and etched her name in Olympic history.
Korda continued her Olympic endeavors by participating in the Paris 2024 Games, demonstrating her commitment to representing her country internationally.
Personal Life: Relationship with Andreas Athanasiou
Of course, Nelly Korda’s personal life has garnered attention, particularly her relationship with professional ice hockey player Andreas Athanasiou. The couple began dating in 2019 and made their relationship public with a Thanksgiving Instagram post that year. Athanasiou, known for his speed and skill on the ice, has played for teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL.
Their relationship reflects a mutual understanding of the demands and pressures of professional sports, with both athletes often supporting each other at respective events. However, in recent times, there have been speculations about their relationship status, as Korda has been seen attending events solo, leading to rumors of a possible breakup.
Financial Success and Endorsements
Nelly Korda’s success on the golf course has translated into substantial financial rewards. As of 2025, her net worth is around $10 million. In 2024 alone, she earned around $12.5 million. About $4.5 million came from on-course winnings, and another $8 million came from endorsements.
Korda’s marketability has attracted a slew of high-profile endorsements. She has partnered with brands such as Nike, TaylorMade, and Richard Mille. These collaborations enhance her financial portfolio and position her as a prominent ambassador for women’s golf.
Venturing into Fashion: Met Gala Appearance
Nelly Korda’s influence extends beyond the fairways into the world of fashion. In May 2024, she attended the prestigious Met Gala in New York City, making a striking impression on the red carpet. Dressed in a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown, Korda’s presence at the event highlighted her versatility and appeal beyond sports.
Korda reflected on the experience with excitement and a bit of nervousness. She described it as surreal to mingle with celebrities from different industries. Her appearance at the Met Gala showed how sports and fashion are coming together. Athletes are now being seen more and more as style icons.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Feature
Further cementing her status as a multifaceted public figure, Nelly Korda graced the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue pages in 2025. The feature showcased her in elegant swimsuits, highlighting her athletic physique and confidence. This appearance aligned her with other athletes who have embraced opportunities to transcend traditional sports roles and engage with broader audiences.
Korda said the photoshoot was empowering. She wanted to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new challenges. The feature received widespread acclaim, celebrating her as a role model who embodies strength, beauty, and athleticism.
Physical Attributes: Height and Athletic Build
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters), Nelly Korda is commanding on the golf course. Her height, combined with her athletic build, contributes to her powerful swing and overall performance. Korda’s physical attributes and technical skills have been instrumental in her ascent to the pinnacle of women’s golf.
Age and Continuing Legacy
At 26 years old, Nelly Korda has already achieved milestones that many athletes aspire to over a lifetime. Her journey reflects innate talent, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As she continues to compete at the highest levels, Korda remains focused on furthering her legacy and inspiring the next generation of golfers.
Conclusion
Nelly Korda’s journey began as a young golf enthusiast. Today, she is a globally recognized sports icon. Her story is one of dedication, versatility, and resilience. She has achieved great success on the golf course and made bold moves into fashion and media. Korda represents the modern athlete. She connects the worlds of sports and popular culture with ease. As her career grows, she proves how athletes can take on many roles in today’s ever-changing world.
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