You’d never guess it by looking at the jaw-dropping photos, but Nelly Korda admits she actually considered her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut a challenge. Shocking, right? The world No. 2 golfer, who’s usually seen dominating fairways, swapped her clubs for couture bikinis in Boca Raton, Fla., and the results are nothing short of iconic.
The 27-year-old Sunshine State native, photographed by Ben Horton, confessed she had to step far outside her comfort zone for the 2025 issue—but from the way she absolutely owned every single frame, you’d think she was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 to model.
A Shoot Full of Surprises
Months after the issue dropped, SI has released even more never-before-seen behind-the-scenes shots, proving Korda is as much a natural in front of the camera as she is on the green. Bold colors, unexpected cuts, and high-fashion vibes? She nailed them all.
One standout moment: Korda embracing one of 2025’s most daring swim trends—a long-sleeved olive bikini by Indah. Under the blazing Florida sun, she still pulled it off like a pro, making sleeves look effortlessly chic on the beach.
Style Switch-Ups That Stole the Show
From rocking mismatched pieces—a bold red-and-white Andres Otalora crop top paired with minimalist ivory bikini bottoms—to channeling full-on Bond girl energy in a one-shoulder black LaQuan Smith suit, Korda delivered pure versatility. The wind in her hair, the smolder in her eyes—this was Nelly Korda like fans have never seen before.
Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
Even as she struck flawless poses on boats, beaches, and in the waves, Korda admitted the whole shoot felt like a personal test.
“I stepped out of my comfort zone. That’s what this shoot was about—and honestly, that’s what life is about: challenging yourself,” she said while wrapping up the day.
The result? A series of photos that not only stunned fans but also revealed a whole new side to the golf star.
A Dream Realized
Despite calling it a challenge, Korda couldn’t have been more thrilled with the experience. “It was such a fun shoot. I had an amazing crew around me. Being part of SI Swimsuit is truly a dream come true,” she shared.
And her message to fans is as inspiring as her photos are striking:
“When people look at these photos, I hope it inspires them to rock what they’ve got.”
