Nelly Korda, the World No. 1 golfer, has been on a break following her latest tournament appearances as she manages recovery from a neck injury sustained during practice. Despite a disappointing finish tied for 19th at the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Korda remains focused on regaining full fitness and sharpening her skills with the help of her putting instructor, Eric Dietrich, in preparation for upcoming events.
The injury, which Korda sustained before the Major, caused discomfort that intensified throughout the tournament, hindering her performance after opening with an even par 72 on June 19. The discomfort also affected her rest and mobility, leading her to withdraw from the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational to prioritize healing.
Season Performance and Tournament Highlights for Nelly Korda
During the 2025 LPGA Tour season, Nelly Korda has maintained a strong presence near the top across major tournaments, though she has yet to secure a victory. Among her notable results is a runner-up finish at the U.S. Women’s Open, maintaining her consistency despite challenges. Her season earnings and placements reflect her competitiveness in key events, showing resilience even when not at full health.
Her placements and earnings this season include second at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions ($227,854), seventh at the Founders Cup presented by U.S. Virgin Islands ($51,522), and fifth at the Mizuho Americas Open ($106,039). She also tied for 14th at The Chevron Championship and tied for 15th at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. At the U.S. Women’s Open, she earned over $1 million with a second-place finish, underscoring her ability to compete at the highest level.
Support from Putting Coach Eric Dietrich Highlights Korda’s Progress
Eric Dietrich, Korda’s putting instructor, recently praised her putting performance and shared a video of her practice swing, which Korda reposted on Instagram. In the clip, she is seen demonstrating strong putting form while dressed casually in a peach sweatshirt and black shorts. Dietrich’s use of a fist bump emoji on the video reflected his pride in her efforts and improvement.
Though Korda explained the injury did not alter her swing mechanics, the neck pain limited her range of motion and rest quality, impacting her overall play. As she continues to recover during her LPGA break, her focus remains on addressing these physical setbacks to return stronger for the remainder of the competitive season.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Competitions
Nelly Korda’s current break emphasizes the critical balance between performance and health as the World No. 1 navigates the challenges of injury recovery amid a demanding schedule. With her dedication to practice under the guidance of Dietrich, she aims to restore her form and return to contention in the LPGA Tour.
Her decision to prioritize recovery over competition signals a long-term approach to maintaining her standing and competitiveness in major golf events throughout 2025. This period will likely shape her readiness and positioning for the most important tournaments ahead, highlighting the importance of physical well-being in elite sports success.