Nelly Korda, one of the most recognizable faces in women’s golf, has found herself at the center of a surprising controversy during the 2025 Solheim Cup. Accusations surfaced earlier this week alleging that Korda intentionally distanced herself from a fellow teammate due to the teammate’s appearance not fitting a certain image. The story quickly caught fire on social media, prompting intense backlash and speculation about the internal dynamics of Team USA.

The drama began after several photos and videos from inside the team’s locker room and practice rounds showed Korda seemingly avoiding interaction with one teammate in particular—whose name has not been officially confirmed but is widely believed to be a young rookie recently added to the lineup. Critics claimed that the rookie’s appearance, which doesn’t align with the conventional standards of beauty often glorified in the sport, may have been the reason for the alleged cold treatment.

As the backlash mounted, Korda was forced to break her silence. In a statement posted to her Instagram Stories, the world number two wrote: “I’m heartbroken by what’s being said. The idea that I would judge, exclude, or mistreat a teammate based on appearance is not only false—it’s offensive to everything I stand for. The truth is far more personal and difficult to explain publicly.”

Korda went on to reveal that she had been managing an anxiety-related condition during the tournament and had chosen to isolate herself from most of the team—not out of malice, but to mentally prepare for matches and manage stress. “It wasn’t about anyone else. It was about me trying to stay focused and healthy in a high-pressure situation,” she said.

Her explanation, while unexpected, led to a mixed wave of reactions online. Many fans expressed understanding and apologized for jumping to conclusions. Others remained skeptical, questioning why Korda couldn’t have addressed the issue sooner or shown more visible support to her teammates during the event.

Adding to the intrigue, fellow Team USA player Megan Khang left a brief but telling comment on Korda’s post: “Wish things were clearer from the start… tough week for all of us.” The remark, while not explicitly critical, fueled further debate about the team’s internal communication and dynamics.

The Solheim Cup, which had already been packed with tense matchups and dramatic comebacks, has now become a backdrop for deeper questions about image, inclusion, and mental health in women’s golf. Whether this incident will affect team unity in future events remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation it sparked won’t disappear quietly.