“TOO STUPID!” Maja Stark harshly criticized Nelly Korda during a live broadcast, and the most surprising thing was Nelly Korda’s reaction, which left everyone speechless and forced Maja Stark to publicly apologize…
In what has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments in women’s golf this year, Swedish golfer Maja Stark found herself at the center of a firestorm after making a shockingly blunt comment about world number one Nelly Korda during a live tournament broadcast. The moment occurred during a commentary segment for a European golf network covering the 2025 Women’s World Invitational. Stark, who was not playing in the tournament due to a minor wrist injury, was invited as a guest analyst — a decision that now appears regrettable for all involved.
While analyzing a replay of Nelly Korda’s third-round performance, Stark visibly rolled her eyes at a missed short putt by Korda and muttered into the microphone, “That’s just too stupid. She always chokes when it matters.” The production crew, seemingly unsure whether the remark was off the record or intended for broadcast, allowed the audio to air. Within minutes, the clip went viral on social media, igniting outrage from fans and players alike.
What shocked audiences even more was how Nelly Korda handled the situation. When asked about the comment during her post-round interview, Korda did not lash out or take a defensive stance. Instead, she smiled calmly and responded, “I didn’t know Maja had a mic. I guess we all have bad days — some on the course, some in the commentary booth.” Her poise, grace, and subtle shade stunned reporters and viewers alike. The moment quickly became a trending topic, with fans praising Korda for maintaining professionalism and humility in the face of open criticism.
The backlash against Maja Stark was immediate and intense. Fellow golfers, including Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko, expressed disappointment in her remarks, calling them “unprofessional” and “unnecessary.” Online, golf forums and fan pages erupted with debates over whether Stark’s comment reflected long-standing tension between the two players or was simply an unfiltered moment of poor judgment.
Just hours after Korda’s dignified response, Stark took to social media with a formal apology. In a video posted to her Instagram, she said, “I want to sincerely apologize to Nelly Korda, to the fans, and to the broadcasters who trusted me. My words were thoughtless and disrespectful, and I take full responsibility. Nelly has proven herself time and time again, and I deeply regret the way I spoke about her.”
While some accepted her apology, others remain skeptical, pointing out past incidents where Stark has been accused of arrogance or snide remarks on tour. Regardless, the incident has sparked a wider conversation about sportsmanship, professionalism, and the power of words — especially in the age of live broadcasting and viral media.
Whether this controversy will fade or leave a lasting dent in Stark’s reputation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in a moment where tempers could have flared, it was Nelly Korda’s composure — not Maja Stark’s insult — that stole the show.