‘It Got Really Heated’: Hours Before Teeing Off at Pebble Beach, Nelly Korda Discloses Her ‘Very Competitive’ Relationship With Athletic Siblings Jessica and Sebastian

LPGA icon Nelly Korda is part of possibly the most athletic family in America. Both her parents used to play professional tennis, with her father Petr even winning the Australian Open in 1998. Eventually, her younger brother, Sebastian, followed in his parents’ footsteps. Meanwhile, World No. 2 Korda and her older sister, Jessica, carved out their own paths in professional golf.

Despite sharing an exceptionally close bond, the siblings have also influenced each other’s game in more ways than one. Before teeing it up at the US Women’s Open, the 24-year-old golfer offered an interesting insight into her relationship with other family members. Let’s jump in to find out more!

Nelly Korda opens up about family’s influence on her game

In a few hours, the US Women’s Open will kick off at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The biggest names in women’s golf are part of the 156-player field this year, including Nelly Korda, who is on the hunt for her second major title.

The pre-tournament press conference on Monday saw Korda touch upon a wide array of things, from her forgettable Baltusrol outing to the sheer significance of the historic Pebble Beach. One of the highlights of the presser came when she threw light on the competitiveness in her family.

So, did Korda’s rivalry with her other athletic family members ever get intense? “We played Monopoly as a family it got really heated,” she said. “We’re definitely very competitive but very close.”

The major winner further reflected on the crucial role that her parents and siblings played in her life. “We’ve always said that we wouldn’t be where we are without each other and our parents, the guidance that they’ve given us,” she said.

Also Read: Nelly Korda: A Look Back Into Her US Women’s Open Career as She Aims to Conquer the Majestic Pebble Beach This Week

This isn’t the first time Korda’s wholesome relationship with her family members has come to the surface. Her older sister and fellow LPGA compatriot Jessica has always been her biggest cheerleader on and off the course. Meanwhile, back in May, both sisters had taken to social media to celebrate their brother’s return to tennis following his struggles with injuries.

A look into Nelly Korda’s competitive yet beautiful relationship with sister and LPGA star Jessica Korda

When 19-year-old Nelly Korda was making her first appearance in the 2017 Evian Championship, her older and more experienced sister couldn’t be more delighted. “To be able to have my little sister, [my] best friend with me, it’s so, so cool,” a then-24-year-old Jessica had remarked about the big moment.

In fact, the 6-time LPGA Tour winner has been by her sister’s side every step of the way. When her younger sister carded a third-round 63 in her debut LPGA Tour appearance at the 2017 Pure Silk Bahamas Classic, Jessica was clapping and spurring her on from the fairway.

In November of last year, the oldest Korda sibling further talked about how people always tried to pit her against her sister. However, she shared that in stark contrast to people’s misconceptions, they were each other’s biggest source of support. “If the other one is struggling with something, the other one’s always there to help,” she had noted.

As Nelly Korda gears up to compete at Pebble Beach this year, Jessica will be sitting out the competition owing to her back-related struggles.

Watch This Story: Despite Her Bitter History With LPGA Pros, Paige Spiranac Bestows Praises For Nelly Korda: ‘The Full Package’

How do you think Nelly Korda will fare at the US Women’s Open? Which golfer are you rooting for to win the major? Let us know in the comments!