Last weekend, Sports Illustrated announced that world number one golfer Nelly Korda will appear in the 2025 Swimsuit Issue. The 26-year-old is the first athlete confirmed for this year’s issue and the first LPGA player to appear in the Swimsuit Issue since Natalie Gulbis in 2012. The first photos from the shoot were released on Thursday and show Korda in a confident and stylish look – a fitting presentation for the six-time LPGA winner of the 2024 season.
A year full of highlights
The Swimsuit Issue announcement is another highlight in Korda’s year of athletic and public success. After winning six tournaments this season, including the first LPGA Major of the year, the Chevron Championship in April, she recently secured the LPGA’s Rolex Player of the Year award. However, she missed the tour’s Asian swing due to a minor neck injury, but was recently cleared to return to practice. Korda is expected to compete in the Annika Invitational at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, from November 14-17. It will be her first start since tying for 5th place at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September.
With the shoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Korda is also expanding her presence off the golf course. Back in May, she caused a attention at the Met Gala in New York when she became the first LPGA player to take part in this exclusive event. She is thus following in the footsteps of golfing legends such as Tiger Woods, who had previously attended the gala.
