In a stunning turn of events, Nelly Korda’s 2025 season has unraveled into a dramatic narrative that has gripped the golfing world. The American superstar, who held the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for an impressive 71 consecutive weeks, saw her reign end abruptly after a lackluster performance at the AIG Women’s Open. Finishing tied for 36th at Royal Porthcawl, Korda’s three-over-par score paled in comparison to Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, who claimed the top ranking with a T30 finish. This seismic shift marked the end of Korda’s 17-month dominance, a period that saw her amass seven victories in 2024, including a major at the Chevron Championship. Yet, 2025 has been a stark contrast, with Korda winless despite making the cut in all 13 events she played.

Korda’s season began with promise. A fourth-place finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions showcased her firepower, as she fired a seven-under 65 on Sunday, only to be outdone by A Lim Kim’s late surge. At the U.S. Women’s Open, Korda was a force tee-to-green, leading in strokes gained off the tee and approach, but her putter betrayed her, costing her a chance at the title and leaving her with a T2 finish. Her consistency remained—she notched five top-10s, including a runner-up at the HSBC Women’s World Championship—but the spark of 2024’s historic five-tournament win streak was absent. The golf world watched as Korda, once untouchable, grappled with the pressure of maintaining her elite status in a fiercely competitive LPGA field.

The AIG Women’s Open was the tipping point. Korda’s final-round 75, her worst of the week, highlighted her struggles under pressure, while Thitikul’s steady play capitalized on the opportunity. Thitikul, a five-time LPGA winner, has been the model of consistency in 2025, with eight top-10s, including a victory at the Mizuho Americas Open. Her rise to No. 1, her second stint after a brief two-week run in 2022, underscores the depth of talent on tour. The LPGA has seen 20 different winners in 20 events this season, a testament to its unpredictability.

Korda’s fall from the top has sparked debate. Some argue her 2025 dip is a natural ebb in a sport known for its volatility, drawing parallels to Rory McIlroy’s winless 2017 season before his resurgence. Others see it as a sign that Korda, despite her 108 career weeks at No. 1, may not be the transcendent figure women’s golf needs. Yet, Korda’s resilience shines through. “I’ve had a lot of lows too with this sport, but I still come back,” she said before the Women’s Open. With months left in the season, including the high-stakes CME Group Tour Championship, Korda has time to reclaim her throne. For now, the golf world watches, captivated by her fight to rise from the ashes of a turbulent year.