Korda sisters return to LPGA sibling rivalry after three-year hiatus Sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda are set to compete together again on the LPGA Tour for the first time since 2023, marking a significant moment in their professional careers. The duo will participate in the Ford Championship in Chandler, Arizona, where they will face off in a full official event. This reunion comes after a prolonged absence for Jessica, who has been sidelined by a chronic back injury and the demands of motherhood following the birth of her son, Greyson, in 2024. Nelly Korda, ranked second in the world, expressed her comfort in competing alongside her sister, noting that their dynamic has shifted since their time on the golf course. “Life off the golf course is where I feel more at ease,” she said during a press conference at Whirlwind Golf Club. “When we’re both on the course, we’ll check the leaderboards occasionally, but the biggest adjustment for me was not having her around in everyday life. Having her as a dinner buddy or practicing together made a huge difference.” Jessica, 33, has been away from competitive play for nearly three years. She took an indefinite break from the tour after her injury and has since focused on raising her son. She is not returning to the tour full-time, which allows her to gradually reintegrate into professional golf while balancing her responsibilities as a mother. Her practice routine has changed significantly, prioritizing quality over quantity. She dedicates about three days a week to training, with sessions lasting an hour and a half on some days. “I have a sitter for five to six hours, so I need to manage my time between workouts, golf, and family,” she explained. “My son is my top priority, so practicing isn’t as exciting as it used to be.#nelly_korda #jessica_korda #ford_championship #regina_rajchrtov #bronson_burgoon
Korda Sisters Reunite for Ford Championship After Three-Year Hiatus The Korda sisters, Nelly and Jessica, are set to compete together again in the Ford Championship, marking their first shared appearance in an LPGA event since 2023. The sisters, who have not played alongside each other in a tournament since the Founders Cup, will tee off in Chandler, Arizona, beginning Thursday. Jessica, 33, expressed relief at having her sister by her side during the tournament week, highlighting the comfort of familiar company amid a roster of new faces. Jessica, who took a three-year break from professional golf to recover from a recurring back injury and care for her newborn son, Greyson, admitted she was unsure about her return to competition. However, she emphasized her gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin the tour. “I didn’t think I would tee it up again after withdrawing from a couple events in 2023,” she said. “Being here and feeling good is a great start.” Despite lingering pain, she believes the time away has helped her better manage her condition and focus on her game. The sisters’ reunion also includes their mother, who is staying with them at the tournament to assist with Greyson. Jessica noted the contrast between her previous schedule, which often cut short rounds due to childcare responsibilities, and the chance to play uninterrupted for four days. “When I play at home, the rounds are so fast,” she said. “I’m on a golf cart; sometimes I don’t finish 18 holes because I don’t have time for it.” Nelly, 27, has remained active on the LPGA Tour during Jessica’s absence, finishing 2024 as the world’s No. 1 player. She recently placed second at the Fortinet Founders Cup and won the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions to start the season.#nelly_korda #jessica_korda #ford_championship #korda_sisters #founders_cup
Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda compete in the same LPGA event for first time since 2023 Jessica Korda, 33, has adjusted her golf routine to accommodate her role as a mother. She practices three days a week, often splitting her time between short sessions and prioritizing time with her son, Greyson. While she once found joy in the sport, motherhood has shifted her focus. “I definitely prioritize my time with my son over golf, so it's not nearly as exciting as it used to be practicing,” she said. The sisters’ return to competing together in an official LPGA event marks a rare moment. The last time they played in a sanctioned tournament was December 2023 at the Grant Thornton Invitational, an unofficial mixed-team event. They also teamed up at the Seminole Pro-Member earlier this month. This week’s Ford Championship at Whirlwind Golf Club is their first shared appearance in a major LPGA event since 2023. Jessica, a six-time LPGA champion, last competed in an official event in May 2023, when she withdrew after the first round of the Founders Cup due to a back injury. She took a medical leave following the birth of her son, and her return to the tour has been gradual. “I didn’t think I would tee it up again after I was withdrawing out of a couple events in 2023, so being here, feeling good, we'll see where it takes us,” she said. Nelly Korda, 27, has been on a winning streak, capturing the first event of the season and returning to the tour after a six-week break. She finished second at the Fortinet Founders Cup, losing by one to Hyo Joo Kim. The sisters are staying together in a house during the tournament, with Nelly handling meals and their mother, Regina, taking charge of the baby monitor. Jessica’s return to competitive golf has been challenging.#lpga #nelly_korda #jessica_korda #ford_championship #regina_korda
