In a moment that shook the golf world, Maja Stark delivered a brutal six-word jab at former world No. 1 Nelly Korda, reducing the American icon to tears just moments after her early exit from the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
“She’s cowardly, weak, empty inside.” Stark reportedly whispered to media backstage — words that pierced far deeper than any scoreboard could reflect.
Once hailed as the unstoppable force in women’s golf, Nelly Korda dominated the KPMG Championship in 2021, dazzling fans with her poise, power, and unmatched short game. That year, she claimed her first major title and rocketed to the top of the world rankings. For many, it was the birth of a new era — The Korda Era.
But fast forward to 2025, and the contrast is jarring.
Nelly’s recent performances have been plagued by inconsistency, missed cuts, and visible mental pressure. At this year’s KPMG Championship, she failed to even make it through the second round — a stark fall from grace for someone who once ruled the fairways of this very tournament.
What added salt to the wound was Maja Stark’s biting comment, which many saw as crossing the line. The Swedish golfer, known for her fiery competitiveness, didn’t hold back after overtaking Korda on the leaderboard. While Stark may have spoken out of heat-of-the-moment adrenaline, her words triggered immediate backlash.
“I felt deeply insulted,” Korda said through tears in the post-round press room. “Not because of my performance — I accept that. But no one deserves to be torn down like that.”
Fans didn’t stay silent either. Social media exploded with support for Korda, with hashtags like #StandWithNelly and #RespectTheChampion trending worldwide.
One user posted:
“You don’t call a woman who’s won a major, held No.1, and inspired millions a ‘coward.’ You just don’t. Maja owes her an apology.”
Others, however, defended Stark’s bluntness, claiming the sport has grown too soft and that mind games are part of elite competition.
But beyond the drama, one truth remains: Nelly Korda is still a champion, even if her game has hit a rough patch. Champions aren’t defined by winning alone, but by how they rise from adversity.
The question now is: Will this moment break her — or rebuild her?
If history tells us anything, never count out Nelly Korda.
