Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus believes Nelly Korda’s fierce competitive mindset was evident long before she became world No. 1. After playing alongside her as a 13-year-old, he saw a quality he felt would eventually separate her from the rest.

Back in 2021, Korda became just the second female golfer from the United States to win an Olympic gold medal. That’s when Nicklaus knew his assessment of her was right. 

“I’ve known Nelly since she was 13 years old. I could see then, when I played with Nelly and her big sister Jessica, how competitive she was—even at 13,” Nicklaus said. “As they grew up, Nelly and Jessica have worked with each other, rooted for each other, and both have been very successful.”

For Nicklaus, Korda’s competitive mindset was the elite trait that separated her from other young golfers. Even at 13, he believed her desire to compete would eventually help her succeed at the highest level.

Korda’s first major title at the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship took her to world number one. Since then, she has secured three more major titles, including two this year.

“To now see Nelly, the No. 1 player in the world, win Gold at the Olympics, what a thrilling thing for the Korda family!” added Nicklaus, as per HITC’s Antony Martin. “And to be honest, what a thrilling thing for me to feel I have been blessed to have a connection to her and the Korda family.”

After a winless 2025, Korda reclaimed No. 1 this season with back-to-back majors, her seventh reign.

Nicklaus isn’t the only golfer who has praised Korda’s competitive edge. PGA Tour winner Max Homa once compared her dominance to that of Tiger Woods.

Max Homa calls Nelly Korda ‘Tiger Woods of the LPGA Tour’

15-time major winner Tiger Woods’ influence on golf goes way deeper than just his achievements. 

Woods is credited with bringing the game further into the mainstream and boosting TV ratings, attendance and earnings. 

Max Homa drew parallels between him and Nelly Korda at the 2022 QBE Shootout. 

“We talked about it all day (Nelly’s game). I think I called her the Tiger Woods of the LPGA Tour at one point,” said Homa as per HITC’s Antony Martin. “… so I don’t know how she does not win every week. It’s a testament to these other ladies that anyone can even sniff beating her because that was wildly impressive.”

Winning a PGA Tour title when Woods was in his prime was a huge ask. As per Homa, the same can be said for Korda’s dominance. Korda is also a huge factor in the massive surge in the purses of LPGA Tour events.

Homa’s comparison reinforced what Nicklaus believed years earlier. One saw Korda’s competitive mindset as a teenager, while the other believes those same qualities have made her the dominant player in women’s golf today.

Which trait of Nelly Korda stands out the most for you? Let us know!

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