The One Travel Nightmare Nelly Korda Fears Most – And How She Deals with It

As a professional golfer, Nelly Korda spends a significant portion of her life traveling. From the sunny fairways of Florida to the breathtaking courses of Europe and Asia, her career has taken her across the globe. But despite all her experience as a seasoned traveler, there’s one thing that sends chills down her spine every time she boards a plane: turbulence.

The Fear That Won’t Go Away

For many people, turbulence is nothing more than a minor inconvenience—a few bumps in the sky before landing safely. But for Nelly Korda, it’s an entirely different story. In interviews, she has admitted that turbulence is her biggest travel nightmare, an anxiety-inducing experience that she dreads before every trip.

It’s not uncommon for frequent flyers to develop a fear of turbulence, especially when they spend so much time in the air. For Korda, who has to fly constantly for tournaments, the unpredictability of turbulence disrupts her otherwise composed and focused mindset. No matter how many flights she’s taken, that feeling of sudden, uncontrollable shaking in mid-air always catches her off guard.

Why Turbulence is So Unsettling

Turbulence occurs when air currents interact, causing irregular motion in the aircraft. While pilots and aviation experts assure passengers that turbulence is perfectly normal and rarely dangerous, that doesn’t make it any less terrifying for those who experience anxiety about it.

For an athlete like Korda, who thrives on precision and control, the randomness of turbulence is a major trigger. She is used to mastering every aspect of her golf game, from her swing mechanics to her mental approach. But once she’s in the air, control is out of her hands, making turbulence an especially difficult challenge to face.

How Nelly Korda Deals with Turbulence

While she may never fully eliminate her fear of turbulence, Korda has developed strategies to cope with it. Here’s how she manages her travel anxiety and stays calm even at 35,000 feet:

1. Distraction is Key

One of Korda’s go-to methods for dealing with turbulence is keeping herself distracted. She often listens to music, watches movies, or reads books to take her mind off the movement of the plane. Engaging in something that requires focus helps her avoid fixating on the bumps.

2. Breathing Techniques

Like many athletes, Korda has learned the importance of controlled breathing to stay calm under pressure. She applies the same deep-breathing techniques she uses during high-stakes golf tournaments to manage her anxiety in the air. Slow, deep breaths help regulate her nervous system and prevent panic from setting in.

3. Trusting the Experts

To combat her fear, Korda reminds herself of the statistics: turbulence is a normal part of flying, and pilots are trained extensively to handle it. She has even spoken about how learning more about aviation and flight mechanics has helped her rationalize her fear and reduce anxiety.

4. Comfort Items and Routines

Having familiar comforts on hand makes a huge difference. Whether it’s a cozy hoodie, noise-canceling headphones, or a specific playlist, Korda ensures she brings items that provide a sense of security during flights. Sticking to a pre-flight routine also helps her feel more in control.

5. Staying Hydrated and Avoiding Caffeine

Nelly Korda understands that hydration plays a key role in managing stress. She avoids excessive caffeine before flights, as it can heighten anxiety. Instead, she drinks plenty of water and opts for herbal teas to stay relaxed.

The Reality of Facing Fears

Despite her fear of turbulence, Korda refuses to let it hold her back. She continues to travel the world, competing at the highest level and achieving incredible success. Her ability to confront her fears head-on is just another example of the mental strength that makes her a champion.

For anyone who shares Korda’s fear of turbulence, her story is a reminder that even the strongest individuals have their struggles—but with the right mindset and coping strategies, they can push through and keep moving forward. So, the next time you find yourself gripping your seat during a bumpy flight, take a deep breath, cue up your favorite playlist, and remember: even golf’s biggest stars get nervous in the sky.