Nelly Korda recently ended a difficult stretch in her golf career, finding renewed motivation following a tough season marked by putting struggles. After finishing tied for second at the U.S. Women’s Open, where putting inconsistencies cost her dearly, Korda remains determined to improve and cherish the support from her sister Jessica, which has played a crucial role in her resilience and growth on the tour.
Despite losing strokes on the greens during each round of the Open—0.74 on Sunday and as much as 2 on Saturday—Korda acknowledges that setbacks like these reveal her ability to learn and bounce back. Following a respectable tie for 15th at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, she expressed gratitude for her journey, emphasizing how the lows in her performance also deepen her appreciation for the highs, describing golf as her “happy place” and a source of daily joy.
The Role of Jessica Korda in Easing Nelly’s LPGA Journey and Competitive Life
Nelly credits her sister Jessica for making the transition to the professional circuit much smoother, highlighting the comfort of having a close family member by her side in what can often be an isolating lifestyle. She explained that having Jessica traveling with her removed much of the stress commonly experienced by rookies, such as making new friends and adjusting to traveling between tournaments.
“I’m so lucky to have Jess,”
—Nelly Korda
“I had Jess out there… that transition was so easy,”
—Nelly Korda
“Sometimes it’s really intimidating for rookies because they don’t know anyone,”
—Nelly Korda
The sisters’ relationship goes beyond simple familial support—they are sources of strength for each other through struggles and celebrations alike. Jessica described their bond as one built on mutual aid, with each sister stepping up whenever the other is facing challenges.
“We basically just help each other out as much as we can,”
—Jessica Korda
“If the other one is struggling with something, the other one’s always there to help.”
—Jessica Korda
Siblings’ Competitive Spirit Fuels Growth and Light-Hearted Moments
Growing up, Nelly’s competitive attitude was intense, often driving her to outmatch peers on the course, but it was always balanced with her sister’s encouragement. Their friendly rivalry continues today both on and off the golf course, where teasing each other has become part of their dynamic. This competitive yet supportive relationship helps foster their individual successes.
One recent example of their playful exchanges came when Golf Digest shared a video of Nelly repeatedly saying the word “test.” Jessica’s comment on the clip—
“Did everyone ask the same question?”
—highlighted their light-hearted banter that fans have come to enjoy as a window into their close-knit relationship.
Facing External Pressure: Rejecting Rivalry Narratives
In 2020, the Korda sisters addressed public attempts to manufacture a rivalry between them. Jessica acknowledged that while outsiders frequently tried to create tension, the sisters remained united in their approach, focusing on personal and course-related improvement rather than competing against each other.
“People like to put us against each other all the time to see if they can spark a rivalry or something,”
—Jessica Korda
“But we just keep disappointing everybody.”
—Jessica Korda
“You’re always competing against the golf course, my parents always said.”
—Nelly Korda
Still, they enjoy occasional friendly wagers during tournaments, keeping their competitive spirit alive without sacrificing their supportive bond.
“We have little side bets here and there,”
—Nelly Korda
“You go into every tournament wanting to win,”
—Nelly Korda
The Siblings’ Last Collaborative Tournament and Enduring Connection
The sisters last teamed up at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in July 2021, finishing tied for 33rd with a team score of 13 under par. Their unique partnership combines familial affection and competitive ambition, making them fan favorites and respected figures on the LPGA Tour.
With Nelly’s recent return to form and Jessica’s supportive presence, their motivational bond remains an essential element in overcoming challenges on the professional golf circuit. Their story exemplifies how familial ties can provide strength amid the intense pressures of elite sports, promising more inspiring moments as Nelly Korda continues to chase victory.