Nelly Korda Shines Bright in SI Swimsuits Elite List After Achieving What LPGA Superstars Never Could

Nelly Korda is one of the finest golfers the golf industry has, and of course, her No.1 status makes this obvious as well. But with all that success comes even bigger fame, and she’s handling it like a pro, leveling up every day.

Just recently, Sports Illustrated announced Korda as one of the rookies for their 2025 swimsuit issue, which has already hit 1 million views on Instagram. Now that’s a milestone worth the celebration. According to a post on X by NellyLegion, “As of today, 51 reels have been posted by SI since then. And only 4 including NKs video have done 1M+.

It seems like only yesterday when SI announced back in November 2024, that Korda would be the first person photographed for their 2025 swimsuit issue. But it’s not like she’s a stranger to big moments outside of golf. Back in May, she attended the Met Gala in Manhattan. She’s the only LPGA player to ever attend and the first golfer since Tiger Woods to do so. And of course, how can we not mention, she’s the first LPGA player to appear in the SI swimsuit issue since Natalie Gulbis back in 2012?

While Korda is the first confirmed athlete for the 2025 issue, she isn’t the only one. SI’s swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day said as per GolfDigest, “We are thrilled to launch our shoot season for the 2025 issue with an extraordinary lineup of powerful female athletes. This remarkable group, featuring Olympic medalists, world champions, and record holders, embodies the next generation of all-stars poised to transform the world of sports. They defy stereotypes and champion equality, inspiring young girls to envision themselves as both athletes and leaders.”

On the golf course, Korda has an impressive resume, including seven LPGA titles, five of which came in a row—a feat only the legends Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez have matched. But despite all her accolades, when it comes to her family, she humbly admits she doesn’t think she’s “the best.”

Who according to Nelly Korda is the best in her family?

When you think of the best in women’s golf, Nelly Korda is probably the first name that pops into your head. After all, she’s No.1 in the world for a reason. But interestingly enough, even Korda looks up to someone in her family: her brother, Sebastian Korda.

During a recent appearance on the 5 Clubs show on YouTube, host Gary Williams threw out a fun hypothetical scenario saying if the Korda family, known for their athleticism, all got together in their prime to compete in a series of events (no golf clubs or tennis rackets allowed), who would be the favorite? Without hesitation, the 26-year-old handed the title to Sebastian.

“I think hands down my brother. He’s definitely the most talented for me. His hand-eye coordination is unbelievable, and he makes everything look so smooth and easy. It’s kind of aggravating, but he’s definitely, I think, the most talented out of all of them.”

It’s clear that while Korda’s golf accomplishments are impressive, her admiration for her brother’s talents is something truly special. It’s not every day you hear the World No.1 pass the crown to someone else in the family.