In a deeply emotional and unflinchingly honest interview that has sent shockwaves through the sports world and beyond, world-renowned golfer Nelly Korda has revealed for the first time the heartbreaking reason behind her months-long absence from professional golf in late 2023 and early 2024.
Korda, 26, who has since returned to dominate the LPGA Tour with historic wins in 2025, sat down for an exclusive televised interview where she bravely opened up about a toxic, emotionally abusive relationship that nearly destroyed her spirit, derailed her career, and left her battling anxiety, depression, and self-doubt in silence.
“He Ruined My Life — But He Won’t Own My Story”
With trembling hands but unwavering resolve, Korda described how the man she once trusted and loved manipulated her behind closed doors while projecting support and admiration in public.
“I didn’t even recognize myself by the end of it,” she said. “He made me feel small. Powerless. Like I wasn’t enough — not as a woman, not as a person, and not even as an athlete.”
While Korda chose not to name the individual publicly, citing legal reasons and her desire to focus on healing, she made it clear that this was someone she had allowed deeply into her personal life — a man who used emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and isolation tactics to slowly break her down.
The Disappearance That Sparked Rumors
In late 2023, Korda shocked fans when she quietly withdrew from several major tournaments, including the Evian Championship and the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. No official reason was given at the time, and speculation swirled. Some suspected injury. Others assumed burnout.
But behind the scenes, Korda was enduring one of the darkest chapters of her life.
“I would wake up with panic attacks. I stopped practicing. I stopped smiling. I barely spoke to my family,” she said. “Every part of me that loved the game, loved life, was just…gone.”
A Private Battle With Public Consequences
During her hiatus, Korda said she sought therapy and began to slowly rebuild her mental health with the support of close friends and family, particularly her sister Jessica, herself a professional golfer, and her parents, both former athletes.
“It took hitting rock bottom for me to finally say, ‘Enough,’” Korda shared. “I realized I had to choose myself — even if it meant stepping away from the game I love.”
Her story has sparked widespread conversations about the silent struggles many athletes face, particularly women, in abusive or manipulative relationships that are often masked by the glamour of fame and success.
A Message to Others Suffering in Silence
Korda emphasized that her decision to speak out was not for pity, but to empower others.
“I’m sharing this now because I know I’m not the only one. Abuse doesn’t always look like bruises. Sometimes it’s words, control, fear, shame,” she said, holding back tears. “And it can happen to anyone — even someone who looks like they have it all together.”
Her voice broke as she added, “If you’re in something that feels wrong, please, please listen to your gut. You’re not alone. And you can get out.”
An Outpouring of Support
Since the interview aired, fans, fellow athletes, and advocacy groups have flooded social media with messages of support for Korda. The hashtags #StandWithNelly, #HerVoiceMatters, and #BreakTheSilence have been trending globally, with many praising her courage to speak out in such a vulnerable and powerful way.
Tennis icon Billie Jean King posted, “Nelly Korda’s strength is as fierce as her swing. Speaking your truth is the most powerful drive you’ll ever hit. We stand with you.”
Mental health organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Athlete Ally have lauded Korda for using her platform to spotlight emotional abuse and mental health challenges within elite sports.
A Comeback Redefined
Since returning to the LPGA Tour in early 2025, Korda has enjoyed a blistering run of success, including a record-breaking streak of seven consecutive tournament wins. But her comeback, she insists, is about far more than trophies.
“I’m winning again — not just on the course, but in life,” she said. “This comeback isn’t just about golf. It’s about reclaiming my power. My peace. My voice.”
Korda now plans to launch an initiative under her Korda Community Foundation aimed at supporting women in sports who are dealing with emotional abuse, offering resources, therapy access, and safe spaces to speak out.
Final Words: More Than a Champion
In telling her story, Nelly Korda has transcended the game that made her famous. She’s emerged not just as a champion athlete, but as a voice for resilience, for survival, and for change.
“I’m still healing,” she admitted. “But I’m no longer hiding. And I’m no longer afraid.”
