At the heart of Nelly Korda’s dominance in women’s golf stands an extraordinary family legacy shaped by her mother, Regina Rajchrtová. The former Czechoslovakian tennis star’s journey from the courts of 1980s Europe to becoming the matriarch of America’s most accomplished sports family reveals how athletic excellence and parenting intertwine at the highest levels of competition.
### From Tennis Pro to Sports Matriarch
**Regina’s Playing Career:**
• Reached WTA #26 ranking (1991)
• Competed in all four Grand Slams
• Represented Czechoslovakia in 1988 Seoul Olympics
• Career earnings: $353,866 before knee injury forced 1993 retirement
After marrying Petr Korda (1992 Australian Open champion), the couple immigrated to Florida, establishing what would become a championship breeding ground. Their three children would all turn professional:
– Jessica Korda: 6-time LPGA winner
– Nelly Korda: World #1 golfer, Olympic gold medalist
– Sebastian Korda: Top 25 ATP tennis player
### The Making of a Champion Mother
Regina’s influence extends far beyond genetics. Nelly frequently references her mother’s role as “the glue” holding their athletic family together through:
**1. Emotional Anchoring**
– Attends nearly all her children’s tournaments
– Created stable home environment in Bradenton
– Mediates sibling rivalries into supportive relationships
**2. Professional Guidance**
– Draws from own Olympic experience to prepare Nelly for pressure
– Advises on managing injuries (having retired due to knee issues)
– Helps balance competition with personal life
**3. Unconditional Support**
– Never forced sports on children despite family legacy
– Encouraged individuality (golf vs tennis career paths)
– Celebrates victories together (2024 Chevron Championship embrace went viral)
### The Korda Family Playbook
What makes Regina’s parenting approach unique among sports dynasties?
**Key Principles:**
– **Quality over pushing:** “We never said ‘you must play,’ just ‘if you play, give 100%'” (Petr Korda)
– **Sibling support system:** Children prioritize attending each other’s events
– **Balanced priorities:** Maintained normal childhoods despite early talent
This philosophy produced three elite athletes without burnout – a rarity in professional sports families. Nelly’s 2021 PGA Championship win and 2024 Chevron victory both featured emotional family celebrations showcasing this unique dynamic.
### Living Legacy
Now 56, Regina remains actively involved:
– Regularly travels to tournaments worldwide
– Advises on endorsement deals and media strategy
– Maintains family home as training base
Her impact transcends sports – the Kordas represent a new model for athletic families where success stems from support rather than pressure. As Nelly chases more majors and Sebastian climbs tennis rankings, Regina’s legacy continues evolving, proving that behind every great champion stands an even greater parent.
*”My parents gave us the greatest gift – the freedom to choose our own paths while always having our backs.”* – Nelly Korda, 2023 LPGA Tour Championship
