World No.1 Nelly Korda makes SI swimsuit debut

Nelly Korda doesn’t normally spend too much time on the sand.

The world No.1 has firmly established herself as the best player in the women’s game in recent years, winning no fewer than seven times in 2024.

Her historic run included a Chevron Championship in April, the 26-year-old’s second major triumph.

And whilst Korda was on top of the world, the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year, stepped out of her comfort zone to take on a new challenge.

Photographed on the beach in Boca Raton, Florida, she made her Sports Illustrated swimsuit debut in the 2025 issue.

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“It was such an exciting shoot,” Korda said. “I think that’s what the shoot is about. I think that’s what life is about, also, sometimes challenging yourself.”

Korda, also a gold medallist, modelled several swimsuits and explained that importance of being a role model for younger women.

“I had such a great crew to work with and work alongside,” she said. “It was just so much fun. When people look at these photos, I hope it inspires them to rock what they got.

“Golf has impacted my life in an incredible way outside the sport. I get to inspire the next generation. I see girls that look up to me.”

After taking the LPGA Tour by storm last season, Korda was unveiled as the first athlete that would be feature in the upcoming issue.

The last female golfer to star in the shoot was Natalie Gulbis, in 2012.

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So, when Korda received the phone call from her agent, it was an opportunity she couldn’t refuse.

“It was such an amazing honour to be in it with all the amazing athletes they have lined up after me,” Korda teased on the Inside the LPGA podcast in November.

“Every single day I see the people they’ve announced and it’s such an amazing line up this year of amazing women athletes.

“It was interesting, at the start I was definitely very timid because I’m not used to posing in a swimsuit and it’s so outside my comfort zone.

“But I think that’s what was so amazing about these opportunities, is that I get to step outside my comfort zone and do something new.”

You can view Nelly Korda’s full 2025 swimsuit gallery here.