Nelly Korda Shocks Golf World: Quits Chevron Championship Over Financial Concerns

In a stunning turn of events, World No. 1 Nelly Korda has declared she will no longer compete in the Chevron Championship, the LPGA Tour’s first major of the season. Following a challenging 2025 tournament where she finished tied for 14th, Korda voiced frustration, reportedly stating, “They have to pay for everything!” Her announcement, made via posts on X, has sparked heated discussions about the financial burdens faced by professional golfers, even at the sport’s highest levels.

A Disappointing Chevron Campaign

Korda’s 2025 Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods was a rollercoaster. After a disastrous opening round of 77, marred by four consecutive bogeys, she rallied to make the cut with six birdies in her final 11 holes on Friday. Despite a gutsy effort, she finished five shots behind winner Mao Saigo. Post-tournament, Korda admitted to inadequate preparation due to a tight schedule, including the JM Eagle LA Championship the prior week and a weather-disrupted practice round. Her regret over skipping a full 18-hole practice round fueled her frustration, but her exit announcement pointed to deeper issues.

Financial Strains in the Spotlight

Korda’s comment, “They have to pay for everything,” appears to highlight the financial pressures golfers face, including travel, accommodations, and caddie fees, even with an $8 million purse at stake. While the 2025 Chevron winner earned $1.2 million, players like Korda, who tied for 14th, took home $115,334—a significant sum, but potentially offset by expenses for top-tier players with entourages. Sources suggest Korda’s remarks reflect broader discontent among LPGA stars about rising costs outpacing prize money growth, despite Chevron’s increased purse from $3.1 million in 2021.

Impact on Korda’s Legacy and the LPGA

Korda, the 2024 Chevron champion and a two-time major winner, shocked fans by swearing off the event, where she made history with five consecutive wins. Her decision could ripple across the LPGA, potentially prompting other players to speak out about financial equity. Korda’s absence from future Chevron Championships may also dim the event’s star power, given her Olympic gold medalist status and fan appeal. On X, fans expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting her stance and others urging her to reconsider.

What’s Next for Nelly Korda?

Korda is set to defend her title at the Mizuho Americas Open and prepare for the U.S. Women’s Open. Her focus on major preparation suggests a strategic pivot, possibly to conserve resources for key events. Whether her Chevron boycott inspires change in the LPGA’s financial structure remains to be seen, but Korda’s bold move has undeniably ignited a conversation about the sport’s economics.