After an extraordinary run as the LPGA Tour’s world number one for 71 consecutive weeks, Nelly Korda has encountered a significant setback in her 2025 career. Once nearly unbeatable during her historic 2024 season with seven victories, Korda has been unable to secure a win in twelve starts this year, marking a dramatic shift in her performance on the golf course.
Her consistent presence in the top-20 has not been enough to replicate the decisive victories that previously defined her dominance. Factors such as rising competition and recurring neck spasms disrupting her training have played key roles in her struggle this season.
Near Victories Highlight Korda’s Struggles to Close
Korda’s best results this year include a runner-up finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and a tie for second at the U.S. Women’s Open. Beyond these, she has maintained solid form with several top-10 finishes. However, these performances fall short of the knockout successes she achieved before.
Speaking about her physical challenges, Korda acknowledged the impact of ongoing neck issues:
Every time something flares up in my neck… I feel it a little bit more than what I used to.
—Nelly Korda
New World Number One Emerges as Korda Relinquishes Title
After falling outside the top 25 at the AIG Women’s Open, Korda officially lost her position as world number one. The title was claimed by Thailand’s Atthaya Jeeno Thitikul, who has been steadily building her own legacy. The 22-year-old took the top ranking following a strong 2025 season that included two victories and multiple high finishes.
Golf rankings expert Nosferatu confirmed the change on social media:
22yo Thai, Jeeno Thitikul, will be the new No.1 in the world!
—Golf rankings expert Nosferatu
Thitikul’s immediate success after first becoming number one at 19 has been impressive. This year, she won the Mizuho Americas Open in May and the PIF Saudi Ladies International, and secured solo second place at the Evian Championship after a playoff, demonstrating remarkable consistency with eight top-10 finishes and just one missed cut.
Atthaya Thitikul Maintains Focus Amid Rank Changes
Despite rising to the world’s top spot, Thitikul remains grounded and focused on her game. Recently, she emphasized concentrating on her own performance over external pressure:
Still my job is the same,
—Atthaya Thitikul
Meanwhile, Korda expressed a calm acceptance of the change in her status, stating,
I don’t really have anything more to prove to people, ever. I love playing in these kinds of conditions.
—Nelly Korda
Though her results have not matched her previous dominance, Korda’s reputation and competitive spirit keep her in the conversation, even as attention shifts to questions of her durability and ability to return to form.
Rising Competition and Physical Challenges Add Pressure
Fellow LPGA player Andrea Lee offered insight into the increasing difficulty of winning on tour, which helps explain Korda’s current struggles. Lee noted,
It’s harder than ever to break into the winner circle,
—Andrea Lee
In 2025, winners have emerged from eight different countries, highlighting the depth and diversity of talent that now dominates the tour. Lee pointed out the nearly impossible nature of repeatedly winning amid such broad competition, especially when compounded by physical ailments and mental strain.
Given Korda’s recurring neck spasms and resulting limited practice time, Lee observed that the margin for error has drastically narrowed this season:
that margin for error just doesn’t exist anymore.
—Andrea Lee
Nelly Korda’s Path Forward Remains Uncertain but Challenging
With a career that includes Olympic gold and multiple major titles, Korda’s current difficulties underscore a new phase in her journey rather than an end. The 2025 career setback reveals how evolving competitive landscapes and physical health are critical factors in professional golf.
As the LPGA continues to welcome rising stars like Atthaya Thitikul, the question remains whether Korda can overcome her hurdles and reclaim her former position at the top. The road ahead will require resilience and renewed focus to compete against a field that has grown more talented and unforgiving.