The golf world is reeling from a bombshell that has left fans and insiders stunned: Nelly Korda, the reigning World No. 1 and defending champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Chevron Championship and announced her resignation from professional golf. The shocking decision comes in the wake of a 15-second leaked video that has sparked widespread controversy, with rumors swirling about an alleged “sex scandal” involving the 26-year-old star. The news has sent shockwaves through the sport, overshadowing what was expected to be a thrilling major championship at The Club at Carlton Woods.
Korda, who dominated the 2024 LPGA season with seven victories, including a record-tying five consecutive wins, was poised to defend her Chevron title. Her graceful swing and unflappable demeanor made her a fan favorite, with a recent LPGA Instagram post of her practice session drawing adoration for its “smooth, powerful” form. Yet, the emergence of the mysterious video—details of which remain unverified—has abruptly halted her meteoric rise. Sources close to the situation claim Korda was blindsided by the leak, which has fueled intense speculation on social media and beyond.
In a brief statement, Korda expressed devastation, citing the need to step away to protect her mental health and privacy. “This is an incredibly difficult time,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I’ve given everything to this sport, but I need to prioritize my well-being.” Her decision to resign, though, has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether the scandal’s fallout was too severe to overcome. The LPGA has remained tight-lipped, issuing only a generic statement of support for Korda’s choice.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Korda’s 2025 season had begun promisingly, with a runner-up finish at the Tournament of Champions and a T7 at the Founders Cup. Her historic 2024 campaign, which included a major win at the Chevron Championship, cemented her as a generational talent. Fans, still buzzing from her Czech-inspired champions’ dinner menu curated with chef Thomas Keller, are now grappling with the void her absence leaves. Comments on X reflect the disbelief: “Nelly’s gone? This can’t be real,” one user posted, echoing the sentiments of many.
Critics argue the scandal narrative may be overblown, pointing to the lack of concrete evidence and the golf world’s history of amplifying rumors. Others speculate external pressures, including the relentless scrutiny of her public life, may have compounded the situation. Korda herself hinted at this in a recent Golf Channel interview, noting the challenges of maintaining authenticity under fame’s glare.
As the Chevron Championship tees off without its star, the golf community is left to ponder what’s next. Will Korda return after the storm passes, or is this truly the end of an era? For now, the sport mourns the loss of its brightest light, extinguished by a scandal that may never be fully understood.
