In an unexpected turn of events at the 2025 Kroger Queen City Championship, superstar Nelly Korda has accused fellow competitor Charley Hull of bribing a referee to gain an unfair advantage. The accusation, dropped during a heated press conference shortly after the final round, sent shockwaves through the golfing world, prompting the PGA to immediately launch a full investigation. Since then, the revelation of findings has left many including Korda and her fans reeling.
According to Nelly Korda, during the penultimate day of the competition, she noticed unusual behavior from one of the course referees: biased rulings in Hull’s favor, leniency over rule infractions, and delayed penalties. Korda claims she has video evidence and eyewitness testimony from caddies and fellow players, suggesting communication between Hull’s team and said referee. Taking these concerns public, she demanded an official inquiry, insisting that severe action must be taken if bribery is proven: “This isn’t just about one tournament; it’s about preserving the integrity of our game,” she said.
Within hours of Korda’s accusation, the PGA’s disciplinary committee assembled a special investigative team. Pulling from referee logs, recorded communications during the event, surveillance video, and interviews with officials, players, and support staff, the PGA worked under pressure—due to media scrutiny and the serious nature of the claim. According to sources close to the investigation, evidence was indeed discovered: communications between a member of Hull’s entourage and the referee in question, and irregularities in rulings that benefitted Hull in crucial moments.
As news of these findings leaked, Charley Hull issued a brief denial, calling the allegations “baseless and defamatory.” Her representatives demanded that those making the accusations produce proof. Hull also called for a private meeting with PGA officials to discuss possible next steps, expressing concern about damage to her reputation regardless of the outcome.
The PGA’s official report, released late last night, confirms several irregular violations of protocol by the implicated referee. The report states that the referee failed to enforce certain rules, gave Hull the benefit of disputed calls, and communicated privately with members of her team under circumstances deemed inappropriate and contrary to PGA standards. However, the report does not find conclusive evidence of monetary bribery—i.e. an exchange of funds or other valuables in return for favorable treatment—citing lack of proof in bank records or transactional documentation. The referee has been suspended pending further inquiry, and Hull is under formal review. The PGA’s statement calls for greater oversight of referees and stricter enforcement of communication policies moving forward.
Nelly Korda reacted to the report with a mix of vindication and frustration. In her public statement, she said that while it is satisfying to see some allegations substantiated—especially the irregular rulings—it is deeply disappointing that the most serious component, bribery, could not be confirmed. “I respect the process,” she said, “but integrity demands clarity. Nothing short of full transparency will satisfy me or the fans.” Supporters of Korda have rallied behind her, calling for stricter penalties, including stripping of titles, bans, or even overturning tournament results.
On the other side, Hull and her team assert they will cooperate fully and maintain that any mistakes were unintentional or due to miscommunication rather than malfeasance. Hull’s camp has indicated they will request an independent review, perhaps via an external ethics committee, to clear her name conclusively.
This scandal has ignited widespread debate among players, fans, and sports analysts. Some argue that without firm consequences, the trust in refereeing and adjudication in women’s professional golf could erode. Others contend that making accusations without incontrovertible proof can irreparably damage reputations even if the accused is later exonerated. Many are calling on the PGA to overhaul its referee training, communication protocols, and investigative transparency.
As of now, no final ban has been imposed. The PGA has warned that further sanctions may come if more evidence is attained. What remains clear is that this controversy has struck at the heart of competitive integrity. For Nelly Korda, her case has laid bare the fragility of trust in sport adjudication. For Charley Hull, even the suspicion alone threatens to cast a lingering shadow over her accomplishments. And for the game of golf, the fallout may prompt lasting reforms—or leave scars that cannot easily heal.
