In a stunning turn of events, World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda has withdrawn from the 2025 Chevron Championship, where she was set to defend her title, and announced her resignation from professional golf on April 21, 2025, citing burn-out as the reason for her departure. The 26-year-old American, who claimed the first women’s major of the year at the Chevron Championship just days ago on April 20, 2025, securing her fifth consecutive LPGA Tour victory, shocked the golf world with her sudden exit. Here’s the full story of Korda’s unexpected decision and what it means for the future of women’s golf.

Korda’s Abrupt Withdrawal and Resignation

Nelly Korda, who made history at the 2025 Chevron Championship by matching the record of Annika Sorenstam (2005) and Nancy Lopez (1978) with five straight LPGA Tour wins, was expected to continue her dominant run at the tournament she had just won. However, on the morning of April 21, 2025, Korda released a statement via her social media accounts, announcing her withdrawal from the event and her resignation from professional golf effective immediately. “I’ve given everything to this sport, but I’ve reached a point of burn-out that I can no longer ignore,” Korda wrote. “I need to step away to focus on my health and rediscover my passion for life outside of golf. This decision breaks my heart, but it’s the right one for me.”

Korda’s announcement comes on the heels of a grueling stretch of tournaments. She had been competing at an elite level since the start of the 2025 season, with a runner-up finish at the Tournament of Champions, a T7 at the Founders Cup, and her historic Chevron victory, which marked her second major title after winning the same event in 2024. Her 2024 season was equally intense, with seven wins, including the Chevron Championship, making her the most successful LPGA player in a single season since Yani Tseng in 2011. But the relentless schedule, combined with the pressure of being the World No. 1, appears to have taken its toll. 

The Toll of Burn-Out: A Growing Concern in Golf

Korda’s candid admission of burn-out sheds light on a growing issue in professional golf, where the physical and mental demands of the sport can push even the brightest stars to their limits. In her statement, Korda elaborated on her struggles, noting that the constant travel, media scrutiny, and pressure to perform had left her “mentally and physically exhausted.” She also referenced a neck injury from the fall of 2024 that forced her to miss the LPGA’s Asian swing, a sign of the physical strain she had been enduring. “I’ve been running on empty for a while,” Korda admitted. “I thought I could push through, but after the Chevron win, I realized I had nothing left to give.” 

Korda’s decision echoes sentiments she expressed earlier in the year about prioritizing her health. In March 2025, she told Yahoo Sports, “If my body is not feeling 100%, then I’m not going to push it,” a statement made in the context of her recovery from the neck injury. Her choice to skip the LPGA’s Asian swing in 2025, including events in Thailand, Singapore, and China, was also seen as a strategic move to manage her schedule, but it appears the cumulative stress of her career caught up with her after her latest triumph. 

A Stellar Career Cut Short

Korda’s resignation marks the end of a remarkable chapter in women’s golf. Since turning pro in 2016, she has been a dominant force, amassing 14 LPGA Tour victories, including two majors, with her first coming at the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Her 2024 season, where she won seven times, solidified her as one of the sport’s brightest stars, often compared to legends like Sorenstam and Lopez. In 2025, she continued her strong form with two top-10 finishes before her Chevron victory, showing no signs of slowing down—until now. 

Off the course, Korda had also become a role model for young golfers, particularly through her Nelly Invitational, an AJGA event she launched in 2024. The tournament, which offered an exemption into the 2026 Chevron Championship and travel stipends for junior players, was a testament to her commitment to growing the game. “It’s a full-circle moment for me to contribute to the organization that played a pivotal role in my development,” Korda said in February 2025, reflecting on her junior golf roots. Her sudden exit leaves a void not just in competition but in the sport’s advocacy for the next generation.

The Golf World Reacts

Korda’s announcement sent shockwaves through the golf community, with players, fans, and analysts expressing a mix of sadness and support. On X, the hashtag #ThankYouNelly trended as fans shared their gratitude for her contributions to the sport. “Nelly Korda gave us so many unforgettable moments—wishing her all the best in whatever comes next,” one user wrote. LPGA Tour commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan released a statement saying, “Nelly’s impact on women’s golf is immeasurable. We respect her decision and hope to see her return when she’s ready.”

Fellow players also voiced their support. Jeeno Thitikul, who played alongside Korda at the 2025 Ford Championship, told Golfweek, “Nelly’s been an inspiration to all of us. She needs to do what’s best for her, and we’ll be here if she comes back.” Charley Hull, who praised Korda’s pace of play during the Ford Championship, added, “She’s a class act—golf won’t be the same without her.”

What’s Next for Korda and Women’s Golf?

Korda’s resignation leaves the LPGA Tour without one of its biggest stars at a critical juncture. With her withdrawal from the Chevron Championship, the field opens up for players like Lydia Ko, Jin Young Ko, and Celine Boutier, who were already set to compete at the event. However, Korda’s absence will undoubtedly shift the dynamic, as her dominance had set a high bar for the season.

For Korda, the future is uncertain but hopeful. In her statement, she hinted at exploring her passions outside of golf, including her love for cooking—she recently shared her skills on social media, preparing a dish inspired by her sister Jessica—and her hobby of building Legos, which she discussed in an April 2025 Golf Digest interview as a way to unwind. “I’m looking forward to taking time for myself, to rediscover what brings me joy,” Korda wrote. Whether she’ll return to professional golf remains unclear, but her emphasis on mental health has sparked an important conversation about the pressures athletes face.

Conclusion

Nelly Korda’s withdrawal from the 2025 Chevron Championship and her shocking resignation from professional golf on April 21, 2025, due to burn-out have rocked the sport, ending a stellar career that saw her rise to World No. 1 and win 14 LPGA titles, including two majors. Her candid admission of mental and physical exhaustion highlights the intense demands of professional golf, leaving fans and players alike reflecting on the need for better support systems. As Korda steps away to focus on her well-being, the golf world wishes her the best, hoping that one day she might return to the greens that she once dominated with unparalleled grace and skill.