Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked female golfer, has set social media ablaze with her debut in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, showcasing a bold and confident side rarely seen on the fairways. The 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist, photographed in Boca Raton, Florida, has captured widespread attention with a series of vibrant swimsuit looks, including a standout orange bikini that has become a trending topic among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. The photoshoot, conducted in November 2024 and released in stages since May 2025, highlights Korda’s versatility and poise, cementing her status as a crossover star in sports and style.
Korda’s SI Swimsuit feature, shot by photographer Ben Horton at The Boca Raton resort, includes several eye-catching ensembles. The most talked-about is her Aurora Bikini from Bad N Bare, a woman-founded British swimwear brand. The vibrant orange two-piece, featuring a halter-neck top and high-cut bottoms, was praised for its bold color and flattering fit, with the set currently on sale for $41.42 per piece, down from $69.04. Korda paired the bikini with a royal purple sarong from AWAY THAT DAY, adding a touch of coastal elegance to the look. Social media posts from SI Swimsuit’s official account on August 17, 2025, amplified the buzz, describing the orange two-piece as a must-have for every sun-loving wardrobe and garnering thousands of likes and comments.
Beyond the orange bikini, Korda showcased other striking outfits, including a strapless navy one-piece from Cleonie Swimwear, the MANYANA MAILLOT, priced at $180. The eco-conscious design, with its bold side cut-out and sculpting details, exuded nautical confidence as Korda posed on a boat, embodying a refined yet fearless aesthetic. She also stunned in a white bikini and a bold blue look from Vitamin A, further showcasing her ability to command attention off the golf course. Fans on social platforms have lauded her versatility, with one comment from SI Swimsuit rookie Jena Sims exclaiming, “I just said oh my god out loud,” reflecting the shoot’s viral impact.
Players Who Shone in the Spotlight
Korda’s performance in the photoshoot was nothing short of remarkable, earning her widespread acclaim for stepping outside her comfort zone. Known for her dominance on the LPGA Tour, with seven wins in 2024, including the Chevron Championship, and the Rolex Player of the Year award, Korda brought the same poise to the SI set. She admitted to NBC Sports that the experience was “so outside my comfort zone,” yet her natural charisma shone through, with ratings from observers giving her an informal 8-9/10 for confidence and presence. Her ability to embrace the challenge, as she noted, “inspire[s] people to rock what they got,” resonated with fans, who praised her for defying stereotypes of athletes in fashion spaces.
The SI Swimsuit team also stood out, with editor-in-chief MJ Day earning plaudits for curating a diverse 2025 rookie class, including Korda alongside athletes like gymnast Suni Lee and skier Eileen Gu. The crew’s professionalism, as Korda highlighted, made the shoot “so much fun,” contributing to the polished final images that have driven online engagement. Other rookies, such as Nazanin Mandi and Parris Goebel, also wore Bad N Bare suits, reinforcing the brand’s prominence in the issue and amplifying Korda’s orange bikini as a trending favorite.
Those Who Fell Short of Expectations
While Korda’s debut was a triumph, not every aspect of the SI Swimsuit rollout met universal acclaim. Some fans expressed disappointment with the limited initial release of photos, noting that only a few images were shared in early November 2024, with the full gallery delayed until spring 2025. This staggered approach, while building anticipation, left some wanting more immediate content, with social media feedback suggesting a “tease” that didn’t fully satisfy. Ratings for the rollout strategy might hover around 5-6/10 for those expecting a broader reveal.
Additionally, while Korda’s orange bikini and navy one-piece were hits, her white bikini look, though striking, received mixed reactions. Some fans felt it lacked the boldness of her other outfits, with comments suggesting it blended into the crowded beach aesthetic, earning a more modest 6/10 compared to the standout orange ensemble. The Vitamin A blue look, while elegant, was less discussed online, potentially overshadowed by the vibrant Aurora set.
Cultural Impact and Looking Ahead
Korda’s SI Swimsuit debut has not only elevated her personal brand but also sparked broader conversations about athletes breaking into fashion and lifestyle spaces. Her appearance follows in the footsteps of golf legend Paige Spiranac, marking Korda as the latest golfer to grace the iconic magazine. The buzz around her orange bikini, in particular, has driven interest in Bad N Bare, with fans flooding social media with praise for the brand’s inclusive designs. Korda’s comments about inspiring the next generation, coupled with her cameo alongside Spiranac in *Happy Gilmore 2* (released July 25, 2025, on Netflix), underscore her growing influence beyond golf.
As the full SI Swimsuit issue nears its spring 2025 release, Korda’s debut is poised to remain a hot topic, with her orange bikini already a contender for one of the season’s defining looks. For now, her ability to blend athletic prowess with coastal confidence has solidified her as a trending figure, proving that her star power extends far beyond the fairways.
