Nelly Korda’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic, as she solidified her place as one of golf’s brightest stars. The 26-year-old American phenom, already a household name on the LPGA Tour, achieved a milestone that sent shockwaves through the golfing world: she became the highest-earning female golfer in history, amassing over $13.1 million in career prize money and an estimated $10 million in endorsements in 2024 alone. Her seven LPGA Tour victories, including a second major at the Chevron Championship, showcased her dominance and cemented her status as World No. 1 for over 100 weeks. Yet, just as the golfing world was celebrating her financial and competitive triumphs, Korda made an unexpected move that left fans, analysts, and fellow players stunned, redefining her legacy in a way no one saw coming.

Korda’s season was a masterclass in consistency and resilience. She became the first player since Yani Tseng in 2011 to win seven LPGA events in a single year, a feat that included a remarkable five consecutive victories. Her triumph at The Annika, where she fired five straight birdies on the back nine to secure the title, demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure, even while battling a lingering neck injury. Off the course, her marketability soared with lucrative deals from Nike, TaylorMade, Delta Air Lines, and others, making her the eighth highest-paid female athlete globally, with $14.4 million in total earnings. Her appearance at the MET Gala, a first for an LPGA golfer since Tiger Woods in 2013, and her feature in Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Swimsuit Issue further elevated her profile, bridging golf with mainstream pop culture.

But it was Korda’s bold decision to withdraw from the Aramco Team Series event in London after a dog bite injury that sparked global intrigue. While many expected her to push through, as she had during her midseason struggles with migraines and missed cuts, Korda prioritized her health, a move that defied the relentless grind of professional sports. This choice, coupled with her candid podcast appearance on the LPGA’s official channel, where she admitted to battling self-doubt and the weight of criticism during her 2024 “funk,” revealed a vulnerability rarely seen from a player of her stature. “I was playing scared,” she confessed, describing how fear of mistakes led to more errors. Her openness about mental health challenges resonated deeply, shifting the narrative around her from invincible champion to relatable human.

This unexpected pivot showcased Korda’s maturity and redefined her as a role model beyond the fairways. By stepping back and addressing her struggles publicly, she challenged the stigma surrounding mental health in sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes to prioritize well-being over accolades. Her actions also highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s golf, where increased prize money—$131 million across 32 LPGA events in 2025—and growing visibility are empowering players to make bold choices. Korda’s legacy, now intertwined with advocacy and authenticity, proves she’s not just rewriting record books but reshaping the sport’s future.