In a heartwarming turn of events that has captivated the community, a humble janitor working at a prestigious PGA golf course received an unexpected gesture of gratitude from none other than professional golf star Nelly Korda.
The story began quietly on an ordinary Tuesday morning. James Walker, 56, a janitor who has worked at the Cypress Ridge Golf Course for over a decade, was wrapping up his shift when he noticed a car with a flat tire near the service lot. As he approached, he was surprised to see that the person in need was none other than Nelly Korda, the world-renowned golfer who was in town for a training session ahead of the upcoming LPGA tour event.
Despite her celebrity status, Korda was visibly flustered and struggling to handle the flat tire. Without hesitation, James offered his help. Using his old but reliable toolkit from the trunk of his own car, he managed to replace the damaged tire with the spare. The entire interaction was simple, polite, and lasted no more than 30 minutes.
“She was very kind,” James recounted in an interview. “She thanked me and offered money, but I said no. I didn’t do it for that. It just felt like the right thing to do.”
But that wasn’t the end of the story.
The very next morning, neighbors were stunned to see a brand-new white SUV parked in front of James’s modest home. Alongside it was a handwritten note taped to the windshield. It read:
“Dear Mr. Walker,Your kindness didn’t go unnoticed. The world needs more people like you. Enjoy this small token of appreciation. — Nelly.”
According to sources close to the golfer, Korda had arranged for a 2024 Toyota Highlander — fully paid and insured — to be delivered to James’s home as a thank-you gift. The story quickly spread on social media, with fans praising both Korda’s generosity and James’s humility.
“I still can’t believe it,” James said, wiping tears from his eyes. “I’ve never had a new car before. It’s more than I ever expected — more than I deserve, really.”
The story has since gone viral, being shared across sports news outlets and inspiring thousands of comments. Many have called it a refreshing reminder of the good that can come from simple acts of kindness.
Nelly Korda, when asked about the gesture during a post-practice interview, responded with characteristic grace. “He helped me without asking for anything in return. That kind of spirit is rare, and it moved me. I just wanted to say thank you in a way that mattered.”
In a world often filled with negative headlines, the story of James Walker and Nelly Korda stands as a shining example of how compassion and gratitude can make a lasting impact — both on the person who gives and the one who receives.