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 world number one ranking and has won 15 LPGA tour events. Notably, she won the gold medal in women's individual golf at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Korda has 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: Amateur Wins and Junior Solheim Cup

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

2016: First Pro Win and Symetra Tour Success

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 finishing 9th on the Symetra Tour money list in 2016.

October 28, 2018: Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship Win

On October 28, 2018, Nelly Korda won the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship in Taoyuan, Taiwan. This marked her first LPGA Tour title and 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, completing a "Family Slam" in Australia.

February 18, 2019: Top 10 World 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 Win

On September 22, 2019, Nelly Korda won the Lacoste Ladies Open de France by eight shots after 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. She partnered with her sister Jessica Korda, becoming the first sisters to play together in the competition's history. Nelly achieved an unbeaten record of 3–0–1.

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, becoming the first two-time winner on the LPGA during the 2021 season.

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, becoming the number one player in the world.

November 8, 2021: Regaining Number One 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. She became the first American to win four times in an LPGA Tour season since Stacy Lewis in 2012.

2021: Olympic Gold Medal and Solheim Cup

In 2021, Nelly Korda won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Japan, becoming the second woman from the U.S. to win the gold. Korda also represented USA at the 2021 Solheim Cup in Toledo, Ohio.

January 3, 2022: Surpassing Stacy Lewis' Record

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

2022: Pelican Women's Championship Title Defense

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

2023: 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.