Golf fans constantly ask: is Nelly Korda still World No. 1? The short answer is no, she currently sits at World No. 2.
After an incredible run, she lost the top spot to Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul in late 2025. Korda held the number one ranking for 71 consecutive weeks before this shift.
Current Rolex World Rankings
The Rolex Rankings dictate the official standing of women’s professional golfers worldwide. These metrics measure performance across all major tours.
Currently, Nelly Korda holds a strong position just behind the leader. Here is the top of the leaderboard as of March 2026.
| Rank | Player | Country | Average Points | Total Points | Events |
| 1 | Jeeno Thitikul | THA | 11.91 | 476.23 | 40 |
| 2 | Nelly Korda | USA | 7.17 | 250.90 | 35 |
| 3 | Charley Hull | ENG | 5.71 | 228.34 | 40 |
Early Life and Family Legacy
Nelly Korda was born on July 28, 1998, in Bradenton, Florida. She comes from a family of elite athletes.
Her father, Petr Korda, won the 1998 Australian Open in tennis. Her brother Sebastian plays professional tennis, and her sister Jessica is also an LPGA Tour golfer.
Amateur Stardom
Korda developed her skills at the IMG Academy in her hometown. She showed massive potential early on.
She made the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open when she was only 14 years old. By 2015, she represented the United States at the Junior Solheim Cup.
Professional Debut and Early Wins
Korda turned professional in 2016 and joined the Symetra Tour. She won her first professional event at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge.
In 2018, she secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship. This win made her and Jessica the third pair of sisters to win LPGA titles.
Breaking Through in 2021
The 2021 season changed everything for Korda. She established herself as a global superstar.
She won her first major at the Women’s PGA Championship. This monumental victory elevated her to the World No. 1 ranking for the first time.
Olympic Gold Medalist
Adding to her 2021 success, Korda traveled to the Tokyo Summer Olympics. She competed fiercely for the United States.
She secured the gold medal in the individual stroke play event. She became the first American female golfer to win individual gold since 1900.
Health Battles in 2022
Adversity struck in early 2022 when Korda suffered a blood clot in her arm. This medical issue required surgery and a pause in her career.
She missed the Chevron Championship but returned for the U.S. Women’s Open. Despite the setback, she quickly found her competitive form again.
The Dominant 2024 Season
Korda unleashed a historic run of dominance throughout 2024. She captured seven total LPGA Tour victories.
This incredible streak included five consecutive tournament wins. Her fifth straight win was her second major championship at the Chevron Championship.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Her four straight tournament wins from four starts made history. She became the first player to achieve this feat since Lorena Ochoa in 2008.
Winning five consecutive starts put her in elite company. Only Annika Sörenstam and Nancy Lopez had accomplished this on the LPGA Tour previously.
Winning the Solheim Cup
Team competitions always bring out Korda’s competitive spirit. She represented the United States at the 2024 Solheim Cup in Virginia.
She won three of her four matches, helping her team secure a 15.5 to 12.5 victory over Europe. She finished the year winning the LPGA Tour Player of the Year award.
The Shift in 2025
The 2025 season presented new challenges for Korda. She struggled to find the winner’s circle despite strong finishes.
She recorded multiple top-ten finishes, including a runner-up spot at the U.S. Women’s Open. However, her winless drought caused her to lose the World No. 1 ranking to Jeeno Thitikul in August 2025.
Reaching a Historic Milestone
Even without a victory in 2025, Korda achieved a massive career landmark. In June 2025, she reached 100 career weeks as world number one.
She became only the sixth female player in golf history to reach this milestone. This cemented her legacy as one of the most consistent players of her generation.
Bouncing Back in 2026
Korda refused to let the 2025 slump define her career trajectory. She started 2026 with a massive statement.
She won the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January 2026. This victory marked her first LPGA Tour win since November 2024.
Career Statistics and Major Performances
Korda’s career numbers are staggering. She has won 21 professional titles across multiple tours.
Sixteen of these victories have come on the prestigious LPGA Tour. Here is a look at her best results in the five major championships.
| Major Championship | Best Result | Year |
| Chevron Championship | Won | 2024 |
| Women’s PGA Championship | Won | 2021 |
| U.S. Women’s Open | T2 | 2025 |
| Women’s British Open | T2 | 2024 |
| Evian Championship | T8 | 2022 |
Personal Life Updates
Off the golf course, Korda maintains a relatively private life. She enjoys time with her athletic family.
In November 2025, she announced her engagement to Casey Gunderson. She also made a fun cameo appearance in the 2025 comedy film Happy Gilmore 2.
Endorsements and Financial Success
Korda is highly marketable and commands significant endorsement deals. She frequently appears on lists of top-earning female athletes.
In 2024, Sportico named her the 8th highest-earning female athlete globally. Her combined prize money and endorsements totaled an estimated $14.4 million.
The Future for Nelly Korda
While Jeeno Thitikul currently holds the World No. 1 ranking, Korda remains a massive threat. She has already proven she can reclaim the top spot.
With her early 2026 victory, Korda is clearly back in peak form. The battle for the number one ranking will undoubtedly be fierce throughout the rest of the season.