Nelly Korda, one of the most talented and successful golfers of her generation, has always been a topic of intrigue, not just for her prowess on the course but also for her decision to bypass college. While many young athletes opt for the traditional route of balancing academics with sports, Korda’s choice was anything but conventional. In a recent interview, the 25-year-old revealed the real reason why she chose to put her academic dreams on hold and pursue golf full-time — and it’s not what most people would expect.
For Korda, the decision to skip college came down to one thing: timing. “It just felt like everything was moving so fast in my career,” Korda admitted. “When I was 18, I was already traveling the world and competing at a professional level. It was hard to imagine splitting my focus between school and golf. I knew golf was my calling.”
Her rise in the world of golf wasn’t slow — by the time she was 18, Korda had already clinched a spot on the LPGA Tour, proving that she was more than capable of succeeding on the biggest stage. But with that success came the realization that the opportunities in front of her were too big to pass up. “When you’re on the verge of something huge, like a career in professional golf, it’s hard to justify sitting in a classroom for four years,” she explained. “Golf was an immediate career for me. College just didn’t make sense.”
Though Korda’s choice may seem risky to some, she insists it wasn’t a hard decision. “I didn’t feel like I was missing out. It was actually the opposite,” she said. “Golf was my passion, and I didn’t want to put it on hold. Plus, the tour was my university. Every tournament was a lesson in itself.”
It wasn’t just the promise of fame or fortune that motivated her. Korda revealed that the real driving force was the incredible potential for growth within the sport. “I saw how fast the game was evolving, and I wanted to be part of that. The LPGA gave me everything I needed to learn and grow, and it felt like the right place to be at that time in my life.”
While many athletes struggle to find their identity outside the classroom, Korda had no doubts about her choice. “I don’t regret it for a second,” she confessed. “I’m living my dream, and that’s all I ever wanted. Sometimes, the traditional path just doesn’t fit everyone.”
Her decision to skip college may have shocked some, but it has certainly paid off. With multiple LPGA victories, a major championship win, and a growing legacy in the world of golf, Korda has shown that sometimes taking the road less traveled leads to incredible success. And as for her academics? “I’m constantly learning, just in a different way,” she said with a smile.
