Nelly Korda, the world’s number one female golfer, has been dominating headlines with her remarkable achievements on the LPGA Tour. With 19 professional wins, including two major championships and an Olympic gold medal, the 26-year-old American has solidified her status as a global sports icon. But beyond the fairways, a different kind of story is unfolding—one that has sparked intrigue and speculation among fans and insiders alike. Reports have surfaced that Nelly’s father, Petr Korda, a former tennis Grand Slam champion, is at odds with his daughter’s romantic partner, Andrea Athanasiou, a professional hockey player. Sources claim Petr has expressed doubts about Athanasiou, reportedly stating, “He’s not PGA material,” raising questions about what this means for Nelly’s personal and professional life.

The Korda family is no stranger to the spotlight. Petr Korda, who won the 1998 Australian Open tennis title, and his wife, Regina Rajchrtová, a former professional tennis player, have raised a family of elite athletes. Nelly’s older sister, Jessica, is a professional golfer with six LPGA Tour wins, while her younger brother, Sebastian, is a rising tennis star who claimed the 2018 Australian Open junior title. The Kordas are a dynasty of athletic excellence, and Petr has played a significant role in shaping his children’s careers. “My dad still actually does my schedule to this day,” Nelly said after her 2023 Mizuho Americas Open victory. “He’s very, very involved with the scheduling of my entire year and how much time I have off and what I’m doing off the golf course.” This hands-on approach has helped Nelly achieve unparalleled success, including her historic five-tournament winning streak in 2024, a feat not accomplished on the LPGA Tour in nearly two decades.

However, Petr’s protective nature seems to extend beyond Nelly’s professional endeavors. According to sources close to the family, Petr has reservations about Nelly’s relationship with Andrea Athanasiou, a Canadian hockey player currently with the Rockford IceHogs, affiliated with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. The couple has been together since 2019, often seen supporting each other at their respective sporting events. Athanasiou, known for his speed and skill on the ice, has played for teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings. Yet, Petr’s alleged comment that Athanasiou is “not PGA material” suggests a clash of expectations. While the exact meaning of this phrase remains unclear, it hints at Petr’s high standards for his daughter’s partner, possibly expecting someone more aligned with the golfing world’s prestige or discipline.

The Korda family’s tight-knit dynamic is well-documented. Nelly has often spoken about the support she receives from her parents and siblings. “When I’m down, they’re always there,” she said after her 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship win, emphasizing the role her family plays in her success. Petr, in particular, has been a constant presence, caddying for Nelly during her amateur days and partnering with her at the PNC Championship, a family-oriented golf event. “After all these years of him watching and supporting us kids from the sidelines in both golf and tennis, it is going to be so much fun to be in a team competing together,” Nelly shared in 2021 about their first PNC Championship appearance. Their close bond makes Petr’s reported disapproval of Athanasiou all the more surprising, as it suggests a rare point of tension within the family.

Insiders speculate that Petr’s concerns may stem from his own experiences as a professional athlete. Having reached the pinnacle of tennis, Petr understands the demands of elite sports and the sacrifices required to maintain focus. “It’s a different setup,” Petr said in 2023, comparing tennis to golf. “But at the end of the day, you’re under the microscope. Every bad stroke or shot is very visible. But when you play well, the glory is all yours.” His perspective may lead him to question whether Athanasiou, whose career in the high-intensity world of hockey differs significantly from golf’s precision-driven culture, can fully support Nelly’s ambitions. The phrase “not PGA material” could reflect Petr’s belief that a partner should share the same meticulous mindset that has propelled Nelly to the top of the golfing world.

Despite the reported friction, Nelly and Athanasiou appear to remain strong. The couple has been spotted together at various events, with Nelly wearing a Chicago Blackhawks jersey to support Athanasiou at the 2022 CP Women’s Open. Their relationship has endured the challenges of demanding schedules and public scrutiny, a testament to their commitment. Nelly, known for her private nature, has kept details of her personal life under wraps, focusing instead on her performance. “I’m just out here doing what I love and hopefully that’s what grows the game naturally,” she said in May 2024, addressing her role as a golfing superstar. This reserved approach makes the public’s fascination with her personal life all the more intense, as fans eagerly seek glimpses into the woman behind the trophies.

The alleged clash between Petr and Athanasiou also highlights the unique pressures faced by athletes like Nelly, who balance personal relationships with the expectations of a high-profile career. The Korda family’s emphasis on privacy, as noted by Golf Digest, has created a “wall” around them, making it difficult for even seasoned journalists to penetrate their inner circle. Nelly’s reluctance to discuss personal matters was evident when she expressed displeasure over a 2022 Golfweek article about her blood clot scare, stating, “I’m very private about my medical history, my medical issues.” This guarded nature suggests that any public discussion of her relationship with Athanasiou, or her father’s opinions, is unlikely to come directly from Nelly herself.

As Nelly prepares for the 2025 season, her focus remains on maintaining her dominance. Her 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary, with seven victories, including the Chevron Championship, and the LPGA Player of the Year award. “I don’t try to compare my seasons. It’s very easy to do that,” she said at the 2024 PNC Championship. “I’m super proud of myself and my entire team of what we accomplished this year, but next year I always look at as a clean slate and I’m hungry for more.” This mindset underscores her resilience, which may also guide her through any personal challenges.

For now, the reported tension between Petr Korda and Andrea Athanasiou remains a topic of speculation, fueled by Petr’s cryptic comment and the Korda family’s athletic legacy. Whether Petr’s concerns reflect a genuine rift or simply a father’s protective instincts, the story adds a layer of intrigue to Nelly’s already compelling narrative. Fans on social media platforms like Facebook are likely to share and discuss this development, drawn to the blend of sports stardom and personal drama. As Nelly continues to chase history on the golf course, her ability to navigate the complexities of fame, family, and romance will only add to her legend.