The world No. 1 is making her debut at the Women’s Scottish Open this weekend.

Nelly Korda, currently ranked number one among the world’s top women golfers, is making her debut at the Women’s Scottish Open this weekend. An Olympic Gold Medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Korda first reached the top of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings in 2021, and has continued to hold it since March 2024.

Korda recently shared more with Town & Country about the growth of women’s golf, how she stays grounded while touring, and how she brings her personality to the course.

When did you first fall in love with the game, and who were your earliest role models in golf, or beyond it?

I’ve been around sports my whole life. My parents were both professional athletes, so that competitive spirit was just part of our household. I fell in love with golf when I was really young, watching my older sister Jessica play. She paved the way for me in so many ways.

Golf has traditionally been seen as a very buttoned-up sport. How are you bringing your own personality and style to the course?

Golf thrives on tradition, but I’ve always believed in bringing my full self to the game. For me, that means playing with focus but not hiding who I am. And this year, being part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue was another way to represent the sport in a space it hasn’t always had a presence. On the course, I like a sleek and athletic look that feels strong but simple. Off the course, I have fun with fashion. It’s creative, expressive, and honestly, it helps me reset after long weeks competing.

Aryna Sabalenka’s Boyfriend Georgios FrangulisKatelyn Mulcahy//Getty Images

Korda lines up a putt during the 2025 JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, California.Women’s golf is growing, but there’s still a long way to go when it comes to visibility. What kind of change would you most like to see in how the women’s game is covered and supported?

Visibility really is everything. We, as LPGA Tour players, just need the opportunity to showcase how good we are. So when I see T-Mobile stepping up to fund featured group coverage and eliminate commercials for a full broadcast hour, it shows they’re not just talking about equity, they’re doing something. These are the kinds of moves we’re used to seeing on the men’s side, and it’s great to work with a brand that’s making sure women’s golf gets the same level of investment and attention.

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Korda was awarded the Rolex Player of the Year and Rolex Annika Major Award during the 2024 LPGA Rolex Players Awards.

My phone, for starters! Staying grounded for me means keeping in touch with my family every day. No matter where I am in the world, that connection is constant. It reminds me why I do what I do. We have the family group text, that constant communication helps us no matter if my brother [tennis player Sebastian Korda] is playing a tournament on the other side of the globe or we’re all at home in Florida together. I also never forget my white scrunchie. That’s a must have.

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Korda signs autographs for fans during the 2025 Founders Cup in Bradenton, Florida.What has surprised you most about being a professional athlete, not just on the course, but in the way people relate to you or expect things off it?

When you first turn pro, you think it’s all about performance. But the longer you’re out here, the more you realize how much you’re also representing the game. People watch how you speak, what you stand for, who you partner with. That’s been a learning curve, but l’ve come to appreciate the platform it gives us. Whether that’s signing autographs for the fans that come out after a good or bad round, as professional athletes, who knows how that could relate to a kid standing there waiting and making their day. But also giving yourself grace and knowing you’re a human being that won’t always be perfect is something l’ve learned to accept.

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A detailed view of Korda’s golf bag at the 2025 Amundi Evian Championship on July 11, 2025.Outside of golf, what brings you joy? What are you passionate about that people might not expect?

Cooking is something I’ve really gotten into. It’s relaxing, creative, and completely different from golf. No competition, no pressure. Just music on and ingredients everywhere. It’s my version of hitting reset.