I’M leaving and i promise never to return: Nelly Korda announce after she…
In an emotional and unexpected announcement, Nelly Korda, one of the brightest stars in women’s golf, declared that she is stepping away from the sport for good. The 25-year-old American, whose rise to prominence has captivated fans around the world, made the shocking revelation after what many have described as one of the most successful seasons of her career. Korda’s decision marks a dramatic turn in a journey that saw her become a global ambassador for the sport and one of the most marketable athletes in golf.
In a tear-filled social media post shared on her official Instagram and Twitter accounts, Korda wrote, “After much reflection and countless hours of contemplation, I’ve made the very difficult decision to leave the game that I’ve loved for so long. This is not a goodbye in the traditional sense, because I won’t be coming back. I’ve given everything I have to golf, and now, it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life.”
The announcement, which took many by surprise, comes after a season in which Korda showcased her extraordinary talent, finishing among the top ten in several major tournaments and securing a string of top finishes. Her season culminated in a dramatic victory at the 2024 LPGA Championship, a win that many believed would cement her legacy as one of the sport’s greats. But according to Korda, that victory was the moment she realized it was time to walk away.
“I always thought I would know when it was the right time to step away, and after lifting that trophy, I just knew,” Korda explained. “It wasn’t about winning more titles or breaking records. It was about finding fulfillment. And for me, the joy that once came from playing has evolved into something else. I’ve experienced more than I ever thought possible, and now it’s time to embrace new challenges outside of the game.”
A Career Like No Other
Nelly Korda’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in the United States to a family of athletes, Korda’s rise to the top of professional golf was swift and awe-inspiring. After turning pro in 2016, she quickly established herself as one of the sport’s brightest talents, winning her first major championship, the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and accumulating multiple LPGA titles over the next few years. Her combination of power, precision, and mental toughness made her a formidable force on the course, and she became a fan favorite almost immediately.
Off the course, Korda’s charisma and grace earned her a reputation as a global ambassador for golf, helping to push the sport into new markets and attract younger, more diverse fans. Her sponsorship deals with brands like Nike, Titleist, and Rolex elevated her to international stardom, making her one of the most recognizable faces in the game. With over a million social media followers, Korda was not just a top athlete but also a cultural influencer, leveraging her platform to advocate for causes like mental health, women’s rights, and environmental sustainability.
Korda’s popularity transcended golf. She was a role model for aspiring female athletes, and her ability to balance fierce competitiveness with a warm, relatable personality made her a beloved figure in the sports world. Her decision to leave, then, is not just a loss for golf fans but for the broader sports community as well.
The Reason Behind the Decision
In her announcement, Korda was candid about the personal reasons behind her retirement. While she did not go into detail about any specific struggles, she referenced the emotional and mental toll that professional sports can take on athletes, particularly at the highest level. “Being on tour is tough—physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are a lot of sacrifices, and there are moments where it feels like you’re living someone else’s life instead of your own,” Korda admitted. “For me, I’ve reached a point where I need to step away and focus on what truly matters to me now.”
Many have speculated that Korda’s decision might be influenced by her recent health struggles. The golfer has faced multiple injury setbacks in recent years, including a wrist injury that forced her to miss a significant portion of the 2023 season. Though she returned to competitive play in 2024, it’s clear that the physical demands of the game were weighing heavily on her. Some sources close to Korda have suggested that the prolonged recovery periods and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level may have contributed to her decision to retire.
“To be honest, I’ve been living a life that is incredibly demanding,” Korda said in a follow-up interview. “After an injury, after so many tournaments, you start to ask yourself if it’s still worth it. I want to live life on my terms now. I want to travel, explore new opportunities, and take time to focus on my personal growth.”
The Legacy of Nelly Korda
Despite her relatively young age, Korda has already left an indelible mark on the world of golf. Her consistency, combined with her captivating personality, has changed the way the sport is perceived, especially among young female golfers. Through her many victories and accolades, including an Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Korda has redefined what it means to be a successful athlete in the modern age.
Her decision to retire at the height of her career is certainly a bold one, and it leaves fans wondering what could have been. However, Korda’s legacy is secure, and her impact on the game will continue to resonate for years to come.
“I’ll always be grateful for every moment I spent on the golf course, but now, it’s time for me to focus on the next chapter,” she said in closing. “Thank you to my fans, my family, my team, and my fellow players for supporting me. I love you all.”
As Nelly Korda walks away from the game, she leaves behind not just a list of impressive titles but also a legacy that will inspire generations of golfers to come. The sports world will certainly miss her on the course, but her influence will live on long after her final putt.
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