Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nelly Korda

How Nelly Korda built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nelly Korda is a highly accomplished American professional golfer on the LPGA Tour. She has achieved the number one ranking in Women's World Golf Rankings and has won 15 LPGA tour events. A significant highlight of her career includes winning the gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She has also represented the United States in multiple Solheim Cups, contributing to team victories in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: U.S. Women's Open Cut

In 2013, Nelly Korda made the cut at the U.S. Women's Open, one month before her 15th birthday.

2015: U.S. Junior Solheim Cup and Amateur Wins

In 2015, Nelly Korda was a member of the U.S. Junior Solheim Cup. As an amateur, she also won the Harder Hall Invitational and the PING Invitational, and was named an AJGA Rolex Junior All-American.

2016: First Pro Event

In 2016, Nelly Korda began her professional career on the Symetra Tour, where she won her first pro event at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge.

2017: LPGA Tour Card

In 2017, Nelly Korda earned her LPGA Tour card after ending the 2016 season 9th on the Symetra Tour money list.

October 28, 2018: Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship

On October 28, 2018, Nelly Korda won the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship in Taoyuan, Taiwan, marking her first LPGA Tour title. This victory made her and her sister Jessica Korda the third pair of sisters to win in LPGA history.

February 17, 2019: ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open Win

On February 17, 2019, Nelly Korda won the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open. This victory completed a "Family Slam" in Australia, following wins by her father and siblings in other Australian Open events.

February 18, 2019: Top 10 Ranking

On February 18, 2019, Nelly Korda broke into the top 10 for the first time in the Women's World Golf Rankings, moving up to 9th.

September 22, 2019: Lacoste Ladies Open de France Victory

On September 22, 2019, Nelly Korda won the Lacoste Ladies Open de France by eight shots, shooting a 4-under-par 67.

November 3, 2019: Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA Title Defense

On November 3, 2019, Nelly Korda defended her title at the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA in a playoff.

2019: Solheim Cup Debut

In 2019, Nelly Korda made her Solheim Cup debut at Gleneagles, Scotland, partnering with her sister Jessica Korda in the foursomes. They became the first sisters to be playing partners in the history of the competition, contributing to an unbeaten record despite USA's overall defeat.

2020: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Nelly Korda won the Olympic gold medal at the women's individual golf event at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

February 28, 2021: Gainbridge LPGA Win

On February 28, 2021, Nelly Korda won the Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida.

June 20, 2021: Meijer LPGA Classic Win

On June 20, 2021, Nelly Korda won the Meijer LPGA Classic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became the first two-time winner on the LPGA during the 2021 season after shooting a career-best 62 on Saturday.

June 27, 2021: KPMG Women's PGA Championship Win

On June 27, 2021, Nelly Korda won her first major at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club, shooting a 4-under 68 in the final round. This victory propelled her to become the number one player in the world.

November 8, 2021: Regained No. 1 Ranking

On November 8, 2021, Nelly Korda regained the No. 1 spot in the Women's World Golf Rankings by a fraction of an average point per event played.

2021: Solheim Cup

In 2021, Nelly Korda represented the United States at the Solheim Cup.

2021: Pelican Women's Championship Win

In 2021, Nelly Korda won the Pelican Women's Championship in Belleair, Florida, marking her fourth LPGA victory of the year. This win tied her with Ko Jin-young for the most wins in 2021 and made her the first American to win four times in an LPGA Tour season since Stacy Lewis in 2012.

2021: Summer Olympics and Solheim Cup

In 2021, Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Japan. She also represented the USA at the Solheim Cup in Toledo, Ohio.

January 3, 2022: Record for Consecutive Weeks as Number One

On January 3, 2022, Nelly Korda surpassed Stacy Lewis's record for consecutive weeks as number one in the Women's World Golf Rankings for an American.

2022: Pelican Women's Championship Win and World Ranking Changes

In November 2022, Nelly Korda successfully defended her title at the Pelican Women's Championship, securing her first win of the year and briefly returning her to the top of the world ranking.

2023: Solheim Cup

At the 2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Casares, Andalusia, Nelly Korda finished with a 2‍–‍2‍–‍0 record. Europe and USA finished the event tied on 14 points, resulting in Europe retaining the trophy.