In a stunning and heartwarming announcement that has captured the attention of sports fans and humanitarians alike, world number one golfer Nelly Korda has pledged to donate her entire $4.3 million prize money from her recent victory at the Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican to a cause close to her heart — renovating multiple homes into shelters for homeless senior citizens in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida.
The 26-year-old golf star, who clinched her record-breaking seventh consecutive LPGA title at the prestigious event in Belleair, Florida, revealed her plans in an emotional post-match press conference that left many in the room visibly moved.
“This is bigger than golf”
“Winning is always special,” Korda said, clutching the gleaming trophy. “But I’ve come to realize that legacy isn’t just about titles or trophies. It’s about what we do for others when we have the chance to make a difference.”
Korda explained that during her off-season, she spent time volunteering at a local food bank and visiting temporary housing facilities for the elderly. What she witnessed deeply affected her — particularly the number of elderly individuals without stable shelter, many of whom had worked their entire lives but now faced hardship in their twilight years.
“I met people who reminded me of my grandparents — warm, kind, dignified. They deserve better,” Korda said. “So I decided then that if I had a big win this season, I’d put that money to work for them.”
Transforming Lives: A Project for Bradenton’s Seniors
Korda’s donation will fund the transformation of several abandoned or foreclosed properties in the Bradenton area into fully functional and furnished shelters specifically for unhoused seniors. According to a spokesperson from the newly established Korda Community Foundation, the plan is to convert at least five properties in the first phase, with the goal of offering safe, supportive housing to over 60 seniors by the end of 2026.
Each renovated home will include private rooms, communal kitchens and living spaces, health services access, and on-site caseworkers to help residents with social services, job placement, and mental health support.
“The goal is not just shelter,” said project manager Dana Ruiz, who has worked with Florida’s Department of Housing and Urban Development. “It’s dignity, stability, and hope.”
Community and National Reaction
The news has sent waves through the sports world and beyond. Social media platforms exploded with praise for Korda, with hashtags like #NellyKares and #GolfWithHeart trending nationwide. Figures from across the sports spectrum, including tennis legend Serena Williams and NBA star Stephen Curry, applauded her for setting a new standard for athlete philanthropy.
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised Korda’s initiative in a statement: “Nelly has proven time and again that she’s a champion both on and off the course. Her compassion and leadership exemplify the best of the LPGA.”
Local officials in Manatee County have also welcomed the move, offering expedited zoning and permitting to assist the renovation efforts. “This is a game-changer for our most vulnerable residents,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. “It’s not every day you see a world-famous athlete invest directly in the lives of people in their own community in such a meaningful way.”
A New Era of Giving in Sports?
Korda’s gesture may signal a broader shift in how elite athletes use their platforms and earnings. While charitable foundations and donations are not uncommon in professional sports, the outright donation of a full tournament prize of this size — especially in an individual sport like golf — is nearly unprecedented.
Sports historian Dr. Linda Harper from the University of Florida remarked, “This could be a watershed moment. It challenges traditional ideas about success and purpose in sports, and it’s likely to inspire a new generation of athletes to think bigger about their role in the community.”
What’s Next for Nelly Korda?
While Korda shows no signs of slowing down on the course — now standing as the only woman in modern golf history to win seven consecutive LPGA events — she’s also quickly becoming a rising force in the philanthropic world.
She confirmed that her newly formed foundation will not be a one-off initiative. Plans are underway to expand the senior shelter model to other cities in Florida and potentially across the United States, depending on the success of the Bradenton pilot project.
“In golf, we talk about leaving it all on the course,” Korda said with a smile. “But I also want to leave something lasting off the course.”
Final Words
Nelly Korda’s extraordinary act of generosity is more than just a donation — it’s a statement. In a world often preoccupied with fame and fortune, she has chosen compassion and community. Her actions echo far beyond the fairways, proving that true greatness lies not just in winning, but in giving.
As Bradenton prepares to open the doors of its first shelter later this year, dozens of vulnerable seniors will have a place to call home — and an entire community will remember the swing that changed lives.
