Jessica Korda’s Golf Career: From Early Breakthroughs to Hiatus and Comeback
Jessica Korda's Golf Career: From Early Breakthroughs to Hiatus and Comeback
Jessica Regina Korda, born February 27, 1993, in Bradenton, Florida, is a Czech-American professional golfer known for her powerful game and resilience on the LPGA Tour. The eldest child of former tennis pros Petr Korda (1998 Australian Open champion) and Regina Rajchrtová, Jessica grew up in an athletic family alongside younger sister Nelly (world No. 1 and multiple major winner) and brother Sebastian (ATP tennis player).
She turned professional in 2010 at age 17 after a stellar amateur career, including winning the 2010 South Atlantic Amateur, representing the U.S. in the 2009 Junior Solheim Cup and 2010 Curtis Cup, and finishing runner-up at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
Her career highlights include 50 top-10 finishes, over $7.6 million in earnings, and strong Solheim Cup performances for Team USA in 2013, 2019, and 2021 (record: 5-4-2). She also represented the U.S. at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing T-15.
Known for her length off the tee and smooth swing, Jessica reached a career-high world ranking in the top 10 and was a consistent contender in majors, with her best finish a runner-up at the 2022 Chevron Championship.
Injuries have been a recurring theme. Jessica has battled forearm issues (withdrawing from the 2017 Solheim Cup), jaw surgery in 2017, rib problems, and most significantly, a chronic back injury. In May 2023, she withdrew after the first round of the Cognizant Founders Cup and announced an indefinite hiatus to rehabilitate her back, which had plagued her for over a year.
Motherhood and Current Status (as of December 2025)
After welcoming her first child, son Greyson, in February 2024 with husband Johnny DelPrete, Jessica took advantage of the LPGA’s maternity policy. She returned to competition after a 2.5-year absence at the 2025 Grant Thornton Invitational (December 2025), a mixed-team event where she partnered with PGA Tour player Bud Cauley. This marked her first tee time since 2023, and she shared the field with sister Nelly.
At 32, Jessica has stated she does not plan to return to full-time LPGA play as a mom, prioritizing family. Any potential 2026 comeback would likely start mid-season (around March). Her status remains inactive, but her recent appearance signals she’s easing back into competition when it fits her life.
Jessica’s career exemplifies talent, toughness, and family balance in professional golf. Fans hope to see more of her powerful drives in the years ahead!
