BREAKING NEWS: Nelly Korda Stuns World, Donates Entire $11.9M Prize Money to Build 150 Homes for Houston’s Homeless!

In an unprecedented act of generosity that has left the sports world in awe, golf superstar Nelly Korda, the reigning World No. 1, has donated her entire 2025 season earnings—$11.9 million in prize money and sponsorships—to the “Onward Home” Homeless Shelter in Houston, Texas. The staggering gift, announced just hours ago on September 27, 2025, at 9:49 PM +07, will fund the construction of 150 houses with 300 beds to provide safe, dignified housing for those affected by devastating floods in the region. Korda’s heartfelt reasoning, rooted in her own childhood brushes with hardship, has sparked a global outpouring of admiration and inspiration.

Speaking at a press conference in Houston alongside shelter director Maria Torres, Korda’s voice trembled with emotion as she shared her motivation: “I saw firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child, and I know what it would be like if I couldn’t afford it. No one should have to sleep on the sidewalk.” The 27-year-old, whose meteoric 2025 LPGA season included seven tournament victories and a record-breaking $4.2 million in prize money, revealed that witnessing families displaced by Houston’s recent catastrophic flooding—a crisis that left thousands homeless—pushed her to act. “This isn’t just about money,” she said. “It’s about giving people hope, a roof, a chance to rebuild.”

The “Onward Home” initiative, a Houston-based nonprofit, has been struggling to meet the surging demand for shelter following floods that displaced over 10,000 residents in 2025. Korda’s donation, which includes her full season earnings plus major endorsement deals from brands like Nike and Rolex, will fully fund a new housing complex on a 10-acre site, complete with communal kitchens, job training centers, and mental health services. Architectural plans, shared during the announcement, show modern, eco-friendly homes designed to foster community and resilience. “Nelly’s gift is a game-changer,” Torres said, tears in her eyes. “These 300 beds mean 300 lives transformed.”

The announcement sent shockwaves through social media, with #NellyGivesBack and #OnwardHome trending globally within minutes. Fans flooded X with praise, one posting: “Nelly Korda just redefined what it means to be a champion!” Another wrote, “$11.9M?! She’s giving away EVERYTHING—she’s a hero.” Fellow golfers joined the chorus: Rory McIlroy tweeted, “Nelly, you’re an inspiration. This is bigger than any major.” Even non-golf figures, like NBA star LeBron James, chimed in: “This is leadership. Nelly’s changing lives, not just leaderboards.”

Korda’s connection to the cause is deeply personal. Growing up in a tennis-centric family—her parents, Petr and Regina, were professional players, and her siblings, Jessica and Sebastian, are athletes—she recalled moments of financial strain before her father’s coaching career stabilized. “We were never homeless, but I saw families who were, and it stuck with me,” she shared. Her commitment extends beyond the check: Korda plans to volunteer at the shelter during the offseason and is rallying other LPGA stars to launch a charity golf event to sustain the project.

The donation comes at the peak of Korda’s dominance, with 2025 marking her as the first woman to win seven LPGA events in a single season since Nancy Lopez in 1978. Yet, her decision to give away every dollar—potentially sacrificing personal financial security—has redefined her legacy. “Golf gave me everything,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.” Houston Mayor John Whitmire called it “the most significant private donation in our city’s history,” vowing to name the complex “Korda Village” in her honor.

As images of Korda hugging flood survivors at the press conference circulate online, amassing over 5 million views, the golf world is buzzing with a new narrative: Nelly Korda isn’t just the queen of the fairways—she’s a beacon of hope for those with nowhere to turn. With “Onward Home” set to break ground in early 2026, her $11.9 million gift is more than a donation—it’s a movement, proving that true greatness lies in lifting others off the sidewalk and into a home.