The golfing world has been left stunned by an emotional announcement from Nelly Korda, the World No. 1 women’s golfer, who broke down in tears as she revealed the tragic reason behind her sudden withdrawal from the Chevron Masters. Korda, known for her resilience and dominance on the LPGA Tour, shared her story in a heartfelt press conference earlier today, May 1, 2025, leaving fans and fellow players in awe of her vulnerability and strength. Her words, “I hope everyone understands and supports me, because no one wanted this,” have resonated deeply, sparking an outpouring of support across the golfing community.

Korda’s withdrawal comes as a shock, especially after her recent participation in the Chevron Championship, where she finished tied for 14th despite a challenging week. Sources close to the golfer indicate that the decision to pull out of the Chevron Masters, a prestigious event on the LPGA calendar, was not made lightly. During the press conference, Korda revealed that she has been grappling with a personal tragedy that has taken a significant emotional toll on her. “I’ve been trying to stay strong and focus on my game, but sometimes life throws things at you that you can’t ignore,” she said, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. “I recently lost someone very close to me, and it’s been harder than I can put into words.”

While Korda did not disclose the identity of the person she lost, she hinted that the loss occurred unexpectedly just days before the Chevron Masters was set to begin. “I thought I could push through it, like I always do,” she explained. “But I realized I wasn’t in the right headspace to compete. I owe it to myself, my family, and even my fans to take the time I need to grieve.” Her decision to withdraw, though heartbreaking, has been met with widespread admiration from fans who have praised her for prioritizing her mental health over professional obligations.

Korda’s emotional revelation sheds light on the immense pressure elite athletes face, often having to balance personal struggles with the demands of their sport. The 26-year-old American has been a beacon of consistency in women’s golf, with a dominant 2024 season that saw her win seven LPGA tournaments, including the Chevron Championship. However, her 2025 season has been more challenging, with only one runner-up finish and three top-20 results in her five starts prior to the Chevron Championship. Her struggles at the Chevron Championship—where she opened with a 5-over 77 and fought to make the cut—were compounded by poor preparation due to a tight schedule and inclement weather, but now it’s clear that her emotional state may have played a larger role in her performance than previously thought.

The golfing community has rallied around Korda in the wake of her announcement. Fellow players, including Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson, who also competed at the Chevron Championship, took to social media to express their support. “Nelly is one of the strongest people I know, on and off the course,” Ko wrote on X. “Sending her all the love during this difficult time.” Fans have also flooded Korda’s social media with messages of encouragement, with many sharing their own stories of grief and praising her for her honesty. “It takes so much courage to speak out like this,” one fan commented. “We’re all behind you, Nelly.”

Korda’s withdrawal means she will miss the chance to compete in one of the season’s most anticipated events, but she assured fans that this is not the end of her journey. “I’ll be back,” she said through tears. “Golf has always been my safe place, and I know I’ll find my way back to it when I’m ready.” For now, Korda plans to take some time away from the sport to be with her family and process her loss. Her next scheduled event, the Mizuho Americas Open, where she is the defending champion, is just weeks away, but it remains unclear whether she will return for that tournament.

Nelly Korda’s openness about her struggles has sparked a broader conversation about mental health in sports, reminding us all of the human side of athletes who often seem larger than life. Her courage in sharing her grief has not only earned her the admiration of fans but also highlighted the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of personal tragedy.