In 2024, Nelly Korda went on a winning streak, capturing five LPGA Tour titles in a row. However, in 2025, she wasn’t able to defend any of them. Korda failed to retain the Chevron Championship, the T-Mobile Match Play, and the Ford Championship this year. The LPGA Drive On Championship was not in the schedule for the 2025 season. But not being able to defend the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship wasn’t her fault.
Interim commissioner Liz Moore was forced to discontinue the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship. The tournament was broadcast and sponsored by the South Korean company, JTBC. Unfortunately, the organization failed to fulfill its contractual obligations and make timely payments to the LPGA Tour. This led to Moore filing a complaint against them and canceling the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship for 2025. This didn’t sit well with the world no. 1, as she lost the opportunity to defend the title she had won last year. She threw some shade on it recently during an interview.
Playing at the Liberty National Golf Club at present, Korda sat down for a press conference at the 2025 Mizuho Americas Open. During the Q&A, one of the reporters asked her, “Obviously, a new commissioner is set to be named. Wondering, is there anything perhaps under the new leadership you would be looking forward to or want to see implemented?” Being the highest-ranked golfer on the LPGA Tour, they wanted to know what Korda expected from the incoming commissioner.
The Bradenton local mentioned, “I think just capitalizing on the growth of women’s sports. You know, a lot of people are really eager to invest, and finding the right partners that are long-lasting partners that really love the Tour, love the product, and want to grow with us is really important. That’s for the commissioner to find, and also for us players to play and give that commissioner a great product.” Korda has always shown support for the growth of the LPGA Tour. However, her statement about “long-lasting partners” makes it clear that she is still upset about the JTBC situation. Had they been a more reliable partner, the 26-year-old would have gotten the opportunity to defend her title earlier this year.
Apr 18, 2024; The Woodlands, Texas, USA; Nelly Korda (USA) walks up to the 17th tee during the first round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Nelly Korda’s frustration is understandable, as she has failed to deliver results this season. Losing the opportunity to retain one of the titles only added more fuel to her frustration. Having said that, she still has two more shots at defending the championships she won in 2024.
Nelly Korda is eager to prove her doubters wrong
As mentioned, Nelly Korda hasn’t had the season everyone was hoping she would have after her 2024 domination. She has failed to capture a single victory so far. By this time last year, the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year already had five championships to her name. Korda has failed to impress in all of those events this year. In fact, the 15-time LPGA Tour winner has finished outside the top 10 in the three events where she went in as the defending champion in 2025.
At present, Korda is competing to retain the 2025 Mizuho Championship. Playing in the New Jersey-based tournament, the superstar of the LPGA Tour is sitting at T14 after finishing the first round with a 4-under par 68. She is four strokes away from the top of the table, which is led by in-form Thai golfer, Jeeno Thitikul. If Korda fails to defend this title as well, then her last opportunity will be in the 2025 Annika driven by Gainbridge at the Pelican, which will be played from November 13 – 16.
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