Nelly Korda Withdraws from 2025 Chevron Championship Due to Injury

The Woodlands, Texas – April 20, 2025 – World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda has announced her withdrawal from the 2025 Chevron Championship, the first major of the LPGA season, citing a lingering neck injury. In a heartfelt statement, Korda expressed her devastation, summing up her decision in five powerful words: “My body needs time to heal.”

Korda, who made history in 2024 by winning the Chevron Championship as part of a record-tying five consecutive LPGA victories, shared her decision on social media. “It breaks my heart to miss this incredible event,” she wrote. “After careful consideration with my medical team, I’ve decided to prioritize recovery. My body needs time to heal, and I’m committed to returning stronger for the rest of the season.”

The 26-year-old American has been battling a minor neck injury sustained during practice last year, which forced her to withdraw from the BMW Ladies Championship and Maybank Championship in October 2024. Despite hopes of competing in the 2025 Chevron Championship, ongoing discomfort has sidelined her from defending her title at The Club at Carlton Woods.

Korda’s absence is a significant blow to the tournament, where she captivated fans last year with a two-stroke victory over Maja Stark, earning $1.2 million and cementing her dominance. Her 2024 season was a career-defining one, with six wins in seven starts, including her second major title. However, injuries have occasionally disrupted her momentum, including a blood clot in her arm in 2022 and a back injury in 2023.

Fans and fellow players have rallied behind Korda, flooding social media with messages of support. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Nelly! You’ll be back stronger,” wrote LPGA star Brooke Henderson on X. The golf community is hopeful for her return at the Cognizant Founders Cup, scheduled for May 8–11, 2025, though Korda has not yet confirmed her next start.

The Chevron Championship will proceed with a strong field, including past champions like Lilia Vu and rising stars like Atthaya Thitikul. However, Korda’s absence leaves a void, as her pursuit of a sixth consecutive win last year electrified the event. For now, the focus is on her recovery, with Korda vowing to “come back ready to compete.”