From Dominance to Danger: Can Nelly Korda Hold Off Her Fast-Rising Rivals?
Is the Queen of Golf Losing Her Grip? Nelly Korda Faces Her Toughest Test Yet
For over a year, Nelly Korda has ruled women’s golf with an iron swing and ice-cold composure. The World No. 1 dazzled fans with a historic winning streak, redefining dominance on the LPGA Tour. But as the 2025 season unfolds, the seemingly untouchable reign of golf’s golden girl is showing its first cracks — and her rivals are closer than ever to knocking her off the throne.
In 2024, Korda delivered one of the most electrifying seasons in LPGA history:
- Five straight wins — a feat shared only with legends Annika Sörenstam and Nancy Lopez
- Seven total victories in just 16 starts
- A Major title at the Chevron Championship
- And the prestigious LPGA Player of the Year award
But 2025? A different story.
Now 26 years old, Korda remains at the top of the world rankings. Yet, as of July 10, she’s still winless this season. That’s right — no trophies in sight for a player who made winning look automatic just a year ago. She’s been solid, sure — T2 at the U.S. Women’s Open, T5 at the Mizuho Americas Open, and a string of top finishes. But for a player of Korda’s caliber, consistency without wins raises eyebrows.
And the field has noticed.
Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand is now hot on her heels, sitting at World No. 2 with a rapidly closing points gap. Meanwhile, familiar names like Lydia Ko, Ruoning Yin, and Haeran Ryu are finding form, fueled by Korda’s slow start. The LPGA has never felt more wide-open — and the last 12 women’s Majors have been won by different players, proving just how deep the competition runs.
This week, Korda is back under the spotlight at the Amundi Evian Championship, the fourth Major of the season. For fans and critics alike, it’s not just about whether she plays well — it’s about whether she can break the drought and reassert her dominance in the biggest moments.
Let’s be clear: no one is writing her off. With her championship DNA, steely focus, and athletic pedigree (her father is tennis Grand Slam champion Petr Korda), Nelly remains a generational talent. But the narrative has shifted. She’s no longer the only player everyone’s chasing — now, she’s being hunted.
Will Nelly rise again and silence the doubters? Or are we witnessing the start of a new power shift in women’s golf?
Either way, the battle at the top has never been more thrilling.
