LPGA star Nelly Korda was paired with PGA Tour player Denny McCarthy at the mixed-gender Grant Thornton Invitational, a partnership that once again brought competitive edge into focus as their third round concluded on December 14.

The duo closed the round at 25-under, posting a 9-under 63 in the final-round Modified Four-Ball. They opened with a 14-under 58 in the scramble format before backing it up with a steady 2-under 70 in foursomes, keeping themselves within striking distance throughout. 

Playing in the same final pairing, their consistency across all three formats reflected an understanding beyond a single round and set the stage for the post-round discussion that followed.

That familiarity became the focus during a post-round media interaction, where Korda was asked about her respect for McCarthy’s game.

 Responding directly, she said, “I became a huge fan three years ago.” The remark was delivered plainly, without embellishment, and framed within the context of playing alongside him.

Korda’s reference dates back to December 2022, when the two were first paired at the QBE Shootout, marking the beginning of a professional connection shaped by repeated on-course exposure rather than isolated observation.

Korda added, “I have so much respect for Denny and his game. Jay [Nelly’s caddie] and I follow him.” 

McCarthy noted, “Her game is phenomenal. I learned a lot three years ago, I continue to learn a lot from her playing with her the last three days.” His words reinforced that respect is reciprocal and rooted in experience.

Nelly Korda’s Winless 2025 Season

Despite finishing winless in 2025, Nelly Korda remained measured in her assessment of the year. Speaking in November after the LPGA season finale in Naples, Florida, she said, 

“The main goal was to finish on top.” 

Korda recorded seven top-five finishes, earned nearly $2.8 million, and ranked among the Tour’s leaders in strokes-gained categories. Summing up the year, she added, 

“I’m grateful for it all. Grateful for the highs, lows, and grateful for my team.” Looking back, she noted, “If I could get one shot back [this season], that would be it.”

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu