Nelly Korda’s Winless 2025: Golf’s ‘Best Ever’ Without a Trophy – What She Learned and What’s Next
Nelly Korda’s 2025 season was paradoxically brilliant: winless yet statistically stellar, often dubbed the LPGA’s “best ever” without a victory. The two-time major champ made all 19 cuts, notched nine top-10s (including two runner-ups), and finished third at the CME Group Tour Championship—capping a year of consistency amid a record 29 different winners on tour.
After dominating 2024 with seven wins, Korda faced golf’s fine line. She drove farther, holed more putts, and scored better in key areas, but close calls—like a heartbreaking U.S. Women’s Open approach shot—defined the grind. “That’s golf,” she reflected, emphasizing mental growth and gratitude for her support circle.
Injuries lingered from prior years, but Korda stayed healthy, pouring effort into practice and recovery. The season reinforced perspective: criticism peaks at the top, but tight-knit relationships endure.
Off-course highlights shone brighter: announcing her engagement to Casey Gunderson in November, then tying for second at the Grant Thornton Invitational with new equipment tweaks signaling 2026 prep.
What’s next? Holiday family time at the PNC Championship with dad Petr, then a recharge. Korda eyes reclaiming wins, majors, and perhaps World No. 1. Past winless stretches (like 2023) fueled rebounds; expect the same fire.
At 27, with 15 LPGA titles and Olympic gold, Korda’s legacy grows. 2025 wasn’t the trophy haul fans expected, but it built resilience. The best is yet to come.
