BRADENTON, Fla. – There was a time when Nelly Korda thought seriously about college golf, with Wake Forest and Texas as her top two choices. She was 15, shooting in the 80s and struggling to enjoy the game.
“I wasn’t even a top junior,” said Korda while walking down the second fairway of her home course, The Concession Golf Club. “I played Junior Solheim Cup once. I wasn’t selected for Junior Ryder Cup. I wasn’t selected for anything growing up.”
Her advice to young players in the field at The Nelly Invitational: Don’t compare yourself to others.
With the help of instructor David Whelan, Korda rebuilt her swing and fell back in love with the game. The 15-time LPGA winner, Olympic gold medalist and current world No. 1 is already in the give-back portion of her career, hosting one of the best junior events in the country at her home club.
Guests of The Nelly junior-am were welcomed on Wednesday by Sawyer, a rescue dog from Satchel’s Last Resort, a no-kill animal shelter in Sarasota that’s one of the event’s two designated charities, along with the local Boys and Girls Club. AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin said the event will raise $100,000 for charity, rare air for a junior event, particularly one that’s just getting started.
Korda has always had a special place in her heart for animals. Earlier this week, she said goodbye to her 15-year-old cat, Rafi.
“I was like oh my god, something that’s 6 pounds can weigh so much on your heart, right? It’s so crazy,” she said. “He was with me through so, so much. It’s unconditional love no matter what kind of day you’re having.”
