In the sun-drenched fairways of professional golf, few stories shine as brightly as that of Nelly Korda. At just 27 years old, the Bradenton, Florida native has ascended to the pinnacle of the LPGA Tour, her triumphs etching her name into the annals of sports history. But beyond the majors, the Olympic gold, and the world No. 1 ranking lies a deeper narrative—one of unbreakable family bonds, where Nelly’s extraordinary success has become a profound blessing to her parents and siblings. Born into a dynasty of athletic prowess, Nelly has not only carried forward her family’s torch but has illuminated their lives with joy, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Nelly’s roots trace back to a pair of tennis legends from Czechoslovakia who traded the clay courts of Europe for the sunny shores of America. Her father, Petr Korda, born in Prague in 1968, was a force on the ATP Tour in the 1980s and 1990s. A left-handed wizard with a wicked serve, Petr reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the world and claimed the 1998 Australian Open title, defeating Marcelo Rios in a final that capped a remarkable comeback. His journey wasn’t without controversy—a year-long suspension for doping in 1998 tested his resilience—but Petr’s grit and 10 career titles, including a doubles win with Stefan Edberg in 1996, made him a household name. Retiring in 2005, he channeled that same determination into coaching his children, turning their Florida backyard into an impromptu training ground.
Nelly’s mother, Regina Rajchrtová, born in Havlíčkův Brod in 1968, was equally formidable. A right-handed baseline powerhouse, Regina peaked at No. 26 in singles and No. 45 in doubles, competing in Grand Slams and representing Czechoslovakia at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she finished 33rd. Her career highlights included advancing to the fourth round of the US Open twice and securing multiple ITF titles before retiring in 1993. Together, Petr and Regina immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s, settling in Bradenton to raise their three children far from the political upheavals of their homeland. There, amid the humid Florida air, they instilled values of discipline, passion, and unyielding support—lessons drawn from their own high-stakes battles on the court.
The Korda household was a whirlwind of rackets, balls, and unbridled energy. Nelly, the middle child born on July 28, 1998, grew up idolizing her older sister Jessica, a professional golfer who turned pro in 2010 and notched six LPGA wins, including the 2012 Women’s Australian Open. Her younger brother, Sebastian, born in 2000, followed his parents’ footsteps into tennis, winning the boys’ singles at the 2018 Australian Open and reaching a career-high ATP ranking of No. 23. Sports weren’t just recreation; they were the family’s language, a way to bond through competition and camaraderie. Petr and Regina, having navigated the pressures of pro circuits themselves, became master mentors—Petr with his tactical acumen, Regina with her emotional steadiness. They shuttled the kids to practices, tournaments, and beyond, sacrificing personal comforts to fuel their dreams. “We would not be where we are without her,” Nelly once said of her mother, calling Regina “the glue that holds us together.”
Nelly’s own ascent in golf began early. At 15, she made the cut at the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open, a feat that foreshadowed her prodigious talent. Turning pro at 18 in 2016, she quickly claimed her first LPGA victory at the 2018 Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship, joining Jessica as the third pair of sisters to win on tour. But 2021 was her breakout: victories at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship—her first major—and the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, where she edged out Japan’s Mone Inami by one stroke after a near-record 62 in the second round. These weren’t solitary triumphs; they were family epics. Petr and Sebastian watched from afar via FaceTime, their cheers echoing through the screen, while Regina was on-site, her presence a calming anchor amid the chaos.
Nelly’s 2024 season elevated her to legend status. She became the first woman since Lorena Ochoa in 2008 to win four straight LPGA events, capping it with a second major at the Chevron Championship. Seven wins in 16 starts propelled her to 100 weeks at world No. 1, a milestone shared by only five other women. Even in 2025, as she defended her throne—tying for 22nd at the Paris Olympics and chasing her 16th career win at the Kroger Queen City Championship—Nelly’s consistency inspires. Her 20 professional titles, including 15 on the LPGA, have amassed a net worth exceeding $13 million, blending prize money with endorsements from TaylorMade and Nike. Yet, for Nelly, these accolades are measured not in dollars or trophies, but in the light they bring to her family’s eyes.
If Nelly’s parents were the architects of her success, she has emerged as their greatest reward—a living testament to the sacrifices of two immigrants who bet everything on their children’s futures. Petr, now in his late 50s, has spoken of the profound pride in watching Nelly complete the “Family Slam” with her 2019 Australian Open win, mirroring his own 1998 glory. No longer defined by his suspension’s shadow, Petr finds redemption in Nelly’s purity of play, her left-handed swing a poetic echo of his own. He caddied for her in exhibitions, like the 2023 PNC Championship where they tied for 13th, and their shared moments on the course have healed old wounds, forging a father-daughter bond unbreakable by time.
Regina, the quiet force behind the dynasty, beams with a mother’s quiet victory. Having traded her racquet for the role of unwavering supporter, she attends tournaments, offers post-round hugs, and maintains the family’s emotional core through group chats and daily calls. Nelly’s wins have given Regina a front-row seat to history, but more than that, they’ve affirmed her life’s work. “My mom is an angel,” Nelly shared on Mother’s Day 2023, her voice cracking with gratitude. In a family where competition could breed rivalry, Nelly’s rise has instead amplified unity—Jessica, now a mother herself after welcoming son Greyson in 2024, credits Nelly’s 2021 major for reigniting her own fire, while Sebastian draws mental toughness from his sister’s Olympic poise.
Nelly’s blessings extend beyond the emotional; they’ve provided tangible stability. Her earnings have enabled family travels, home improvements in Bradenton, and support for Sebastian’s rising tennis career. But the true gift is intangible: a reversal of roles where the child becomes the beacon. After her 2021 PGA win, tears flowed as Nelly embraced Regina on the green, whispering thanks for the endless drives to junior events. In 2024, celebrating the Chevron with her parents, Nelly reflected, “Family is everything—we lean on each other in the hard times.” Her victories have quieted any lingering doubts from Petr and Regina’s athletic pasts, proving their legacy endures not in faded headlines, but in a daughter’s dominance.
As Nelly eyes the horizon—perhaps more majors, another Olympic run—her story reminds us that true championships are won off the course. In a world of fleeting glory, the Kordas have built something eternal: a circle of support where success circles back as love. Nelly Korda isn’t just a golfer; she’s the heartbeat of a family that dared to dream across oceans, her swing a symphony of gratitude that echoes through generations. For Petr and Regina, every birdie is a blessing, every putt a promise fulfilled.
