If you follow golf, you know Nelly Korda usually has her hair pulled back under a Titleist cap, eyes locked on a 15-foot birdie putt. She’s the person who made winning five LPGA tournaments in a row look like a casual Sunday stroll. But recently, the world’s top-ranked golfer swapped the polo shirts and TaylorMade clubs for something way outside her comfort zone.
The nelly korda si swimsuit debut basically broke the golf internet.
Honestly, it shouldn't be that surprising. Korda has been a dominant force for years, but 2024 and 2025 have seen her transcend the sport. She’s not just a golfer anymore; she’s a legitimate global brand. When Sports Illustrated Swimsuit announced she’d be part of the 2025 issue, it wasn't just about the photos. It was about a world-class athlete showing a different side of herself—one that involves sand, but definitely not the kind found in a bunker at St Andrews.
The Boca Raton Shoot: Behind the Scenes
The shoot took place in Boca Raton, Florida, which is basically home turf for Korda. Photographed by Ben Horton, the images weren't your typical "model on a beach" shots. They felt intentional. Korda has mentioned in interviews that she felt a bit like a fish out of water.
Think about it.
She spends her life in a world of rigid mechanics—swing planes, wind speeds, and green grass. Suddenly, she’s in a hot pink string bikini from Agua Bendita (the one with the ruffles everyone was talking about) or a sleek black one-shoulder piece by LaQuan Smith.
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Korda admitted she was nervous. She’s a "social homebody" who likes cooking pasta and watching The Office. Posing in front of a high-fashion camera crew is a different kind of pressure than a Sunday afternoon at a Major. She told the SI crew that she wanted to "rock what she’s got" to inspire young girls to see themselves as both athletes and powerful women.
Why the 2025 Issue Matters for the LPGA
The timing of the nelly korda si swimsuit feature was perfect. Korda was coming off a historic run where she tied the record for most consecutive wins (five) held by legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam.
- Exposure: Golf is growing, but it still struggles for mainstream "Discovery" level eyeballs.
- The "Caitlin Clark" Effect: Like other female athletes lately, Korda is proving you can be the most dangerous person in your sport and still have a presence in fashion and media.
- Athlete Lineup: She wasn't alone. The 2025 issue featured a powerhouse of Olympic talent, including Gabby Thomas and Suni Lee. It was a celebration of muscle and "chiseled abs" (as the tabloids put it) just as much as it was about the swimwear.
Common Misconceptions About the Shoot
Some "purists" (who probably still think women should only wear long skirts on the course) argued it was a distraction.
That’s a joke.
Korda's 2025 season started with a second-place finish at the Tournament of Champions and another runner-up at the U.S. Women's Open. She hasn't lost a step. If anything, the confidence she gained from stepping "outside her comfort zone" in Boca Raton seemed to translate to the course.
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People also think these shoots are just "glamour." In reality, they are grueling. Korda talked about sand getting into "unexpected places" and the long hours under the Florida sun. It’s work. But for a woman who earned roughly $12.5 million in 2024, she’s clearly picking projects that mean something to her.
Fun Facts From the Set
Nelly is actually pretty superstitious. She calls herself "a little 'stitious" (shoutout to Michael Scott). She also shares a weird talent with her sister, Jessica: they both open bags—like chips or snacks—exceptionally poorly. Everything just flies everywhere.
Also, despite being a world-class athlete who handles pressure like a machine, she’s terrified of spiders and sharks. So, while she looked serene in the water for Ben Horton’s camera, she was probably keeping a very sharp eye out for anything with fins.
The Impact of the "Barbiecore" Look
The media went wild over the "Barbiecore" magenta set she wore. It was vibrant, athletic, and feminine. For a long time, female golfers were pushed into a very specific, almost corporate aesthetic. Korda is part of a generation that says, "I can wear a ruffled pink bikini on Tuesday and shoot a 66 on Thursday."
The reception was overwhelmingly positive. Her fellow LPGA pros, including her sister and Jena Sims (who was an SI rookie herself), flooded her Instagram with support. It felt less like a "scandal" and more like a coronation of the new face of American golf.
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What to Look for Next
If you’re a fan of Korda’s game, the next few months are big. She’s skipping some of the Asian swing to rest up, but she’ll be back for the Founders Cup in Bradenton. She’s already sitting on 15 career wins and two majors.
The nelly korda si swimsuit appearance is just one chapter in what is becoming a Hall of Fame career. It’s about visibility. When people see her in a magazine, they Google her. When they Google her, they see her swing. And when they see her swing, they become golf fans.
That’s the real win here.
Your Next Steps:
- Watch her swing: If you’ve only seen the SI photos, go find her highlights from the 2024 Chevron Championship. It’s a masterclass in tempo.
- Check the gear: Korda’s fashion on the course is as sharp as her shoot in Boca. She’s been a major factor in making golf apparel look "cool" for a younger demographic.
- Follow the LPGA: The talent level right now is insane. Between Nelly, Rose Zhang, and Lilia Vu, women’s golf is in a golden era.