Nelly Korda Opens Up on the Reality of Tour Life That’s Harder Than It Looks From Outside
November 15, 2025, Belleair, Florida, USA: Nelly Korda tees off on the 11th hole during round three of the Annika LPGA, Golf Damen tournament on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Belleair. Belleair USA - ZUMAs70_ 20251115_zan_s70_011 Copyright: xLuisxSantanax Belleair USA - ZUMA0840 20251115_zan_s70_011 Copyright: xIMAGO/LuisxSantanax
November 15, 2025, Belleair, Florida, USA: Nelly Korda tees off on the 11th hole during round three of the Annika LPGA, Golf Damen tournament on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Belleair. Belleair USA - ZUMAs70_ 20251115_zan_s70_011 Copyright: xLuisxSantanax Belleair USA - ZUMA0840 20251115_zan_s70_011 Copyright: xIMAGO/LuisxSantanax
Nelly Korda has pulled back the curtain on the demanding reality of the LPGA Tour. Ahead of this week's Ford Championship, Korda revealed the isolating and lonely side of life on the road.
“Not many people really talk about it, but sometimes it is like a super isolating, lonely life out here," said the 27-year-old.
"Especially if you don't have, or you're not really a very outgoing person to develop friendships with other girls, because it is highly competitive as well,” Nelly Korda said during the press conference ahead of the Ford Championship on Tuesday.
However, this isn't the first time Korda has spoken about the LPGA Tour's schedule. She has been vocal about constantly being on the road.
May 8, 2025, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America: NELLY KORDA of the United States looks on during the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open 2025 at Liberty National Golf Club on May 09, 2025 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Jersey City United States of America - ZUMAb273 20250508_zsp_b273_036 Copyright: xJordanxBankx
May 8, 2025, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America: NELLY KORDA of the United States looks on during the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open 2025 at Liberty National Golf Club on May 09, 2025 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Jersey City United States of America - ZUMAb273 20250508_zsp_b273_036 Copyright: xJordanxBankx
“I've seen my body deteriorate over that, and I kind of get into the zone of possibly getting injured," Korda said in February after winning the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
She then skipped the three following LPGA events before returning to the Fortinet Founders Cup on March 19. However, LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is focused on the Tour's growth.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited about where we’re headed,” he said while announcing the 2026 schedule.
Nelly Korda on What She Learned From Jessica Korda
The 16-time LPGA Tour winner didn't just learn from her own experience playing golf. She watched her elder sister, fellow LPGA Pro Jessica Korda, navigate the same lifestyle.
"I think Jess [ Jessica Korda ] taught me what life on Tour was kind of like."
For the first time in nearly three years, Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda are set to play the same LPGA event, with both in the field at the Ford Championship in Chandler, Arizona, starting March 26, 2026.
At the same time, Jessica returns after stepping away in mid-2023 due to a back issue, and later for maternity leave following the birth of her son, Greyson, in February 2024. She played a few unofficial events before this and is set to follow a limited schedule this season.
Meanwhile, Nelly continues her 2026 run. She started 2026 with a win and followed it with a second-place finish at the Founders Cup, where she finished one shot behind Hyo Joo Kim.
So do you agree with Nelly Korda's approach? Tell us in the comments.
Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi