Pro Golfer Nelly Korda Bows Out After Dogged Encounter

Pro Golfer Nelly Korda Bows Out After Dogged Encounter

3 minute read
Published: 7/1/2024

Just when her golf game couldn't get any worse, Nelly Korda was sidelined by an unexpected source—a dog's bite, causing her to withdraw from the LET Aramco Team Series in England.

Korda, who had been struggling with her form after missing the cut at three consecutive tournaments, including a career-worst round at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, took to Instagram to share the unusual reason behind her latest setback. The defending champion of the Aramco Team Series-London, Korda expressed regret over her need to withdraw but assured fans of her commitment to return soon. The incident adds another quirky twist to what has already been an unusually turbulent season for the LPGA star.

The bite occurred just a day after Korda missed the cut at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, where she shot a career-worst 81 in the second round. Following the tournament, the LPGA star confirmed on Instagram that the canine encounter had led to her withdrawal from the LET Aramco Team Series at Centurion Club in Hemel Hempstead, England. Bad breaks seem to come in packs!

"I'm deeply sorry to have to miss the LET Aramco Team Series," Korda wrote in her Instagram Story. "I was looking forward to defending my title, but unfortunately, I'm unable to play due to a dog bite. I hope to be back on the course soon and in better form."

The LPGA's golden girl had initially appeared poised for another stellar season, having started off with a record-equalling five consecutive LPGA Tour titles. Her recent dip in performance, however, has seen her miss the cut at her last three tournaments, wobbling from the heights she attained earlier in the year – proving even the best can have an 'off day' or three.

Scheduled from June 28-30 at the Centurion Club in Hemel Hempstead, England, the LET Aramco Team Series was supposed to be Korda's golden opportunity to turn her season around. Instead, the abrupt canine encounter has forced her to bow out, adding another unexpected challenge to her already beleaguered tour.

Last year, Korda clinched victory at the Aramco Team Series-London, making her absence this time around particularly felt. The golf community, fans, and organizers had eagerly awaited her return to defend her title. Her withdrawal, announced just days before the tournament, left many disappointed but supportive of her recovery. While some fans humorously speculated on social media that this might be her tactic to keep the suspense high for next year's tournament, they mostly wished her a speedy return.

"It's quite an odd and unfortunate situation," commented a representative from the Centurion Club. "We're focused on ensuring Nelly recovers fully and look forward to seeing her back on the greens soon—hopefully with less 'bite' this time."

Despite her recent slump, Korda remains one of the most formidable players in women's golf. Her string of titles at the beginning of the season reminded everyone why she's a force to be reckoned with. However, sports, much like dogs, can be unpredictable.

As the golfing world sends well-wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery, Korda's fans are left to ponder what could have been. Her journey from dominating the leaderboard to nursing a dog bite is a testament to the highs and lows that characterize the life of professional athletes—a rollercoaster with surprises at every turn.

In the meantime, Korda's social media channels have been flooded with messages of support and well wishes from fans and fellow athletes alike. It seems everyone is ready to put this bite behind and see the golfer back in action, reclaiming her spot at the top.

While the specifics of the dog bite remain scant—whether it was a Chihuahua nibble or a Great Dane chomp remains a mystery—it's clear that Korda's focus now is on a speedy recovery and a triumphant return. With her initial optimism for the season still in mind, it's likely Korda won't be on the sidelines for too long.

Ultimately, Korda's fans and supporters remain steadfast, eagerly anticipating her next swing. They're encouraging her to heal quickly and return with even more vigor, perhaps even adding a bit of humor as they cheer, 'We'll keep the fairways warm for you, Korda!'