On May 9, 2025, at 8:00 AM +07, the golfing world and animal lovers alike were left in awe as Nelly Korda, the World No. 1 women’s golfer and Olympic gold medalist, dropped a heartwarming yet shocking announcement that has taken the internet by storm. In an emotional Instagram Live session, the 26-year-old LPGA star revealed she will invest $20 million of her personal fortune to build a sprawling sanctuary dubbed “Korda’s Canine Paradise,” dedicated to rescuing stray dogs and giving thousands of abandoned puppies a second chance at love and a forever home. This unprecedented move has not only solidified Korda’s legacy beyond the fairways but also sparked a global conversation about compassion, responsibility, and the power of using fame for a greater good.
Korda, who has long been an advocate for animals, shared her motivation during the live session, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve seen too many dogs suffering on the streets, abandoned and alone. They deserve love, a warm bed, and a family—just like we do. This paradise will be their safe haven,” she said, wiping away tears as her own dog, a rescue named Bear, sat beside her. The $20 million project, she explained, will fund a state-of-the-art facility in her home state of Florida, complete with veterinary clinics, rehabilitation centers, and acres of open fields for the dogs to roam freely. The sanctuary aims to rescue at least 5,000 stray dogs in its first year alone, partnering with local shelters and international organizations like the Wild at Heart Foundation to tackle the global stray crisis.
The announcement comes on the heels of Korda’s own personal brush with a dog-related incident. In June 2024, she was forced to withdraw from the Aramco Team Series in London after being bitten by a stray dog in Seattle, an event that left her shaken but also deeply reflective. “That moment changed me,” Korda admitted during the livestream. “I realized how vulnerable these animals are, and I knew I had to do something bigger.” Her experience, coupled with her lifelong love for dogs—she frequently shares glimpses of her pets on Instagram, including a recent humorous story of Bear peeking over a sofa—has now culminated in this monumental initiative.
The internet erupted with praise for Korda’s generosity. On X, #KordasCanineParadise quickly became a trending topic, with fans and celebrities alike lauding her efforts. “Nelly Korda is a champion in every sense of the word—this is what true greatness looks like,” one user wrote. Another added, “From winning majors to saving dogs, she’s unstoppable!” The announcement also drew support from fellow athletes, with Serena Williams commenting, “This is beautiful, Nelly. You’re giving these pups a future.” Even animal welfare organizations chimed in, with the Wild at Heart Foundation noting, “This could change the lives of countless dogs. We’re honored to collaborate with Nelly on this vision.”
Korda’s $20 million investment is a significant chunk of her earnings, which Forbes estimated at $14.4 million in 2024 from tournaments and endorsements with brands like Nike, TaylorMade, and Delta Air Lines. Yet, the golfer insisted that the cause is worth every penny. “I’ve been blessed with so much success, and now it’s my turn to give back,” she said. The sanctuary will not only provide shelter but also focus on rehabilitation, adoption programs, and community education to combat the stray dog crisis. Inspired by Costa Rica’s Territorio de Zaguates, a converted farm that houses over 1,000 strays, Korda envisions a “paradise where every dog feels loved and free.”
However, the announcement hasn’t been without scrutiny. Some skeptics on X questioned whether Korda’s project might overshadow smaller, underfunded shelters, potentially diverting donations. Others wondered if her lack of experience in animal welfare could lead to mismanagement. But Korda addressed these concerns head-on, revealing she’s assembled a team of experts, including veterinarians and shelter managers, to ensure the project’s success. “This isn’t about me—it’s about the dogs. I’m learning every day, and I’m committed to getting this right,” she emphasized.
As Korda prepares for her return to the LPGA Tour at the 2025 Amundi Evian Championship, her focus remains on both her game and her new mission. With groundbreaking for Korda’s Canine Paradise set for late 2025, the world watches as this tennis legend-turned-philanthropist redefines what it means to be a champion. By giving thousands of stray dogs a chance at a better life, Nelly Korda is proving that her heart is as big as her swing—and that’s a legacy worth celebrating.
