A Black Waitress Was Fired for Helping Nelly Korda, but the Next Day, She Got the Biggest Shock of Her Life
At 04:33 PM +07 on Monday, June 16, 2025, a shocking story emerged from the Oakmont Country Club following the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 US Open. A black waitress, identified only as “Tanya” for privacy reasons, was abruptly fired from her job after assisting golf superstar Nelly Korda during a tense altercation in the clubhouse hallway. But what happened next left her—and the golf world—stunned.

The Incident
The controversy began late Sunday evening after the US Open final round, when Nelly Korda, a prominent LPGA player, found herself in a heated confrontation with a hotel manager. Witnesses reported that Tanya intervened to de-escalate the situation, offering Korda emotional support after the golfer was visibly upset. Sources claim the manager, angered by the interruption, terminated Tanya on the spot, citing a breach of protocol.

Club officials declined to comment, but an anonymous staff member told reporters, “She was just trying to help. It was unfair.” The incident quickly sparked outrage on social media, with fans labeling the firing as discriminatory and demanding justice under the hashtag #SupportTanya.
The Unexpected Turn
Just 24 hours later, at 04:00 PM +07 on Monday, June 16, 2025, Tanya received a life-changing call. Nelly Korda, moved by the waitress’s kindness, personally contacted her to apologize for the ordeal. But the surprise didn’t end there. Korda, leveraging her influence, arranged for Tanya to be reinstated with back pay and offered her a new role as a guest relations coordinator at a prestigious golf event sponsored by her foundation. Additionally, Korda presented Tanya with a $50,000 check as a gesture of gratitude.
“I was in tears,” Tanya said in a brief statement. “I never expected this. Nelly is a true champion, on and off the course.” The news spread like wildfire on X, with users praising Korda’s generosity and calling for a boycott of the Oakmont Country Club until further accountability is addressed.
Fallout and Reflection
The Oakmont Country Club has yet to issue an official apology, but pressure is mounting from both fans and sponsors. Korda’s actions have been hailed as a powerful stand against injustice, with many seeing it as a turning point for how staff are treated in the golf industry. As of now, Tanya is preparing for her new role, while the golf community watches to see if the club will respond.
This story, unfolding just hours after the US Open’s conclusion, serves as a reminder of the impact one act of kindness—and one act of retaliation—can have. Follow updates on www.usopen.com or join the conversation on X with #TanyaAndNelly.