World No.1 golfer Nelly Korda has sent shockwaves through the sports world by announcing she will grace the pages of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2025 – a daring crossover move that fans are hailing as empowering, trailblazing, and long overdue for women's golf.
The 27-year-old American superstar, fresh off a dominant 2024 season that saw her claim seven LPGA titles including a second major, was officially unveiled as one of SI Swimsuit's featured athletes for the upcoming edition. Shot in sunny Boca Raton, Florida, by renowned photographer Ben Horton, Korda's debut marks a significant step in expanding her influence far beyond the fairways.
"This is such a bold and brilliant move for Nelly," one fan commented on social media. "She's not just the best golfer in the world – she's showing young girls that strength, athleticism, and confidence come in all forms. Queen!" Thousands of others echoed the praise, applauding Korda for embracing her platform to challenge stereotypes in a traditionally conservative sport.
SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day praised the decision to include Korda in the 2025 lineup, describing it as part of an "extraordinary" showcase of powerful female athletes. "Nelly represents the perfect blend of elite performance and unapologetic femininity," Day said. "We're thrilled to celebrate her in this way."
For Korda, who has spent much of 2025 battling to recapture her 2024 magic amid a winless streak on tour, the announcement represents a refreshing off-course triumph. Despite eight top-10 finishes and over $2 million in earnings this year, the LPGA star has faced questions about form and injuries. Stepping into the SI spotlight allows her to redefine the narrative on her own terms.
The Florida native has long been vocal about inspiring the next generation. "Golf has impacted my life in an incredible way outside of the sport," Korda shared during the shoot. "If I can show girls that you can be a fierce competitor and still embrace who you are, that's everything to me."
Korda's SI Swimsuit feature follows in the footsteps of other golfing icons like Paige Spiranac and recent athletes across sports who have used the platform to amplify their voices. Fans are already buzzing about the potential impact, with many predicting it will draw new eyes to women's golf ahead of the 2026 season.
As Korda prepares for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship this week – where a victory could salvage her year with a record $4 million payday – her bold SI move has undeniably stolen the spotlight. In an era where female athletes are increasingly controlling their image and legacy, Nelly Korda's 2025 announcement stands out as a powerful statement: she's here to dominate on the course, off it, and everywhere in between.
Supporters across social media summed it up best: "This is why we love Nelly – fearless, fabulous, and changing the game." The full 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands in May, and if the reaction is any indication, Korda's spreads are set to be unforgettable.
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