Golf Star Nelly Korda Withdraws from KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2025 for Heartbreaking Reason, Leaving Fans Devastated

In a shocking turn of events, world No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda has withdrawn from the 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, one of the LPGA Tour’s most prestigious major championships, citing a recurring neck injury as the reason for her sudden exit. The announcement, made just days after Korda skipped the champions dinner due to discomfort, has left fans, fellow competitors, and the golfing world reeling, as the 27-year-old American was considered a top contender for the title at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas.

A Promising Start Derailed by Injury

Korda, who has been a dominant force in women’s golf, arrived at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with high expectations. After a stellar 2024 season that saw her claim seven victories, including her second major title at the Chevron Championship, fans were eager to see her continue her reign in 2025. Despite not securing a win this season, Korda’s consistent performance, including a runner-up finish at the U.S. Women’s Open, positioned her as a favorite to lift the trophy in Frisco.

However, signs of trouble emerged early in the week. On Monday, during a practice round, Korda experienced a significant flare-up in her neck after hitting a shot out of the rough. The discomfort was severe enough to force her to miss the champions dinner, an event honoring defending champion Amy Yang. Korda, who won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2021, sent an apology to Yang, prioritizing her recovery over attending the ceremonial gathering. Visible therapeutic tape on her neck during a Tuesday press conference hinted at the seriousness of the issue, though Korda downplayed the injury at the time, expressing confidence that she would be ready for Thursday’s opening round. “I have a great physio who takes care of me,” she told reporters. “I’ll be ready by Thursday.”

Unfortunately, the optimism was short-lived. On the eve of the tournament, Korda announced her withdrawal, citing persistent soreness in her neck that made it impossible to compete at her best. In a statement released through the LPGA, Korda expressed her devastation: “I’m heartbroken to miss the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, one of my favorite events on the Tour. My neck injury has been an ongoing challenge, and after consulting with my medical team, I’ve made the difficult decision to prioritize my health and step away from this week’s competition. I’m grateful for the support of my fans and hope to be back on the course soon.”

A History of Resilience Amid Health Challenges

This is not the first time Korda has faced health setbacks. In 2020, she withdrew from the same event at Aronimink Golf Club due to back issues after posting a one-over 71 in the first round. At the time, she was the betting favorite but was forced to pull out before the second round to seek specialist care. More recently, Korda missed two tournaments during the LPGA’s Asia swing in late 2024 due to a minor neck injury, which she referenced during her press conference in Frisco. “Obviously, with the injury that I had last year, every single time something kind of flares up in my neck now, I think I feel it a little bit more than what I used to,” she admitted.

Korda’s withdrawal marks another chapter in her ongoing battle with injuries, which have occasionally interrupted her otherwise remarkable career. Despite these challenges, her resilience has been a hallmark of her journey. Since turning professional in 2016, Korda has amassed 14 LPGA Tour victories, including two majors, and has held the world No. 1 ranking for significant periods. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks has endeared her to fans, who admire her grit and determination as much as her prodigious talent.

Fans and Peers React to the News

The news of Korda’s withdrawal sent shockwaves through the golfing community, with fans taking to social media to express their disappointment and concern. “Absolutely gutted for Nelly,” wrote one fan on X. “She’s been through so much with injuries, but she always comes back stronger. Wishing her a speedy recovery.” Another posted, “The KPMG Women’s PGA won’t be the same without Nelly. Get well soon, champ!” The sentiment on X reflected a mix of heartbreak and hope, with many fans rallying behind Korda and urging her to focus on her recovery.

Fellow players also shared their support. Three-time major champion Lydia Ko, who was set to compete alongside Korda in Frisco, spoke about the impact of her absence. “Nelly’s one of the toughest competitors out here, and it’s tough to see her sidelined,” Ko said. “We all want her back healthy and swinging freely. She’s a huge part of what makes the LPGA so exciting.” Defending champion Amy Yang echoed those sentiments, noting, “Nelly’s a class act, and I know how much this event means to her. I wish her all the best in getting back to full strength.”

What’s Next for Korda and the Championship?

Korda’s withdrawal opens the door for other contenders to seize the spotlight at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who has been in scintillating form with six top-10 finishes in 10 starts this season, is now among the favorites to claim her first major title. Thitikul, who finished solo fourth at this event in 2022, leads the LPGA in strokes gained: total and is second in scoring average, making her a formidable threat. Other players to watch include Lydia Ko, who is chasing history as she aims to add to her major tally, and rising stars like Maja Stark and Hannah Green, who have shown major-championship pedigree.

For Korda, the focus now shifts to recovery. While she has not provided a timeline for her return, her team indicated that she will consult with specialists to address the recurring neck issue. The LPGA Tour’s schedule remains packed, with the Amundi Evian Championship in France (July 10-13) and the AIG Women’s Open in Wales (July 31-August 3) looming as the next two majors. Fans are hopeful that Korda can return in time to compete in these prestigious events, but her health will undoubtedly take precedence.

A Blow to the LPGA and a Testament to Korda’s Impact

Korda’s absence from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is a significant blow to the event, which thrives on the star power of players like her. Her dynamic play, infectious enthusiasm, and relatable personality have made her a fan favorite and a driving force in growing the women’s game. Her withdrawal serves as a reminder of the physical toll professional golf can take, even on the sport’s brightest stars.

As the golfing world turns its attention to the action in Frisco, the absence of Nelly Korda will be keenly felt. Fans, however, remain steadfast in their support, flooding social media with messages of encouragement and optimism for her recovery. For now, the golfing community waits with bated breath for the return of one of its biggest stars, hoping to see her back on the fairways, chasing major titles and inspiring the next generation of golfers.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship continues with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf, starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday. While the field remains stacked with talent, the tournament will undoubtedly miss the presence of Nelly Korda, whose journey back to the top promises to be one of the most compelling stories in golf.