Beth Ann Nichols | Golfweek
BELLEAIR, Fla. — Nelly Korda was pleasantly surprised to discover that her brother, Sebastian, had made the effort to come watch her play on Sunday. It was a significant moment for him, as he had never witnessed one of her victories on the LPGA Tour before. His presence at The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican felt like a special gift. The siblings had been apart since the summer, when Nelly traveled to see him compete in the U.S. Open.
“For him to drive an hour and 40 with three holes remaining,” said Korda, “one, he was very confident in me, and, two, it was just really nice to have his support and to have him out here.”
Family and team are everything to Korda, and she attributes much of her impressive seven-win season to those who form her circle of support. This week, she made a point to frequently mention her longtime physio, Kim Baughman, who has been instrumental in her success. Following a neck injury she sustained before she was supposed to head to Asia, Korda and Baughman spent extensive time together leading up to the event.
“I mean, it was three times a day that I was seeing her and she lives 40 minutes away,” Korda explained. “So she was coming to my house three times a day. Before and after practice, I mean, to every workout. I think she needs a vacation that I will gladly pay for.”
Korda admitted she expedited her rehabilitation to prepare for this crucial week. Emerging victorious at Pelican Golf Club for the third time, the World No. 1 cherishes the chance to compete near her home. Her first win of the season occurred practically in her parents’ backyard in Bradenton, Florida—just a stone’s throw from her birthplace.
Though her last LPGA victory was in May, Korda expressed it felt like an eternity since she experienced a whirlwind streak of five consecutive wins. Since that moment, she faced several challenges:
- the 10 at the U.S. Women’s Open
- the astonishing 81 at the KPMG Women’s PGA
- the unfortunate dog bite at a coffee shop
- heartbreaking final rounds in both Paris and St. Andrews
- persistent migraines that resulted in neck pain, forcing her into a two-month hiatus this fall
Through every trial, Korda displayed incredible resilience.
“She’s pretty badass,” said Sebastian. “She’s as tough as it gets.”
In the final round on Sunday in Belleair, Korda started just one stroke behind Charley Hull and found herself trailing even further after a challenging front-nine score of 37. However, a remarkable string of five birdies from Nos. 11-15 propelled her into the lead, allowing her to clinch the victory with a final-round score of 67. Korda’s impressive total of 14 under par placed her three strokes ahead of Hull, Jin Hee Im, and Weiwei Zhang, who successfully secured her card for 2025 through this strong performance.
Now celebrating her status as a 15-time winner on the LPGA, Korda’s seventh triumph of the season places her in elite company. She joins the ranks of Kathy Whitworth (1973), Nancy Lopez (1978, 1979), and Beth Daniel (1990) as the only American players since 1970 to achieve seven or more wins in a single season. Yani Tseng was the last player on tour to accomplish this feat, winning seven times back in 2011.
“I feel like I definitely matured a lot,” Korda reflected. “I realized what truly matters in life, you know, especially through tough times. You find yourself questioning why these things happen to you, feeling like it’s one setback after another.”
“But it’s essential to appreciate those challenging moments because they contribute to your growth. They help clarify what genuinely matters in life—the people who look out for you and stand by you through thick and thin.”
What role does family support play in Nelly Korda’s performance and mindset as a professional golfer?
**Interview with Nelly Korda: Celebrating Family and Triumph in Golf**
**Editor:** We’re here with Nelly Korda, fresh off her stunning victory at The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Nelly, congratulations! Can you tell us how it felt to see your brother, Sebastian, there supporting you?
**Nelly Korda:** Thank you! It was really special to have Sebastian there. He had never seen me win on the LPGA Tour before, so it meant a lot to both of us. His presence felt like a real gift, especially since we’ve been apart for so long. The fact that he drove nearly two hours to watch me in the last few holes was just incredible. It really showed his confidence in me, and having him there made my win even sweeter.
**Editor:** Speaking of support, you’ve mentioned your long-time physio, Kim Baughman, several times. Can you elaborate on her role in your recovery and success this season?
**Nelly Korda:** Kim has been a crucial part of my team, especially after my neck injury. We worked so hard together leading up to this event. I was seeing her three times a day—it’s a lot! But her dedication to helping me get back on my game was instrumental. I really don’t know what I would have done without her. She definitely deserves a vacation after all the work we’ve put in!
**Editor:** You mentioned that this win felt like a long time coming, especially after a challenging streak. How did you keep your spirits high during those tough moments?
**Nelly Korda:** It was a tough few months. I had to face several setbacks, you know, like that 10 at the U.S. Women’s Open and the 81 at the KPMG Women’s PGA. It’s easy to let those moments get you down, but I always try to focus on the positives and remember why I love this game. My family kept me grounded and motivated, reminding me to keep pushing forward.
**Editor:** Winning back-to-back at Pelican must feel incredible, especially being so close to where you grew up. How does that familiarity impact your game?
**Nelly Korda:** It really provides a unique and comforting atmosphere. Competing in a place that feels like home adds an extra layer of motivation for me. My first win this season was so close to my parents’ house in Bradenton—it’s almost surreal to think about. It makes each victory even more special because I’m representing not just myself, but my family and my roots.
**Editor:** Well, congratulations again on your win, Nelly. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
**Nelly Korda:** Thank you! I’m excited for what’s ahead!
