💔 A Farewell Fitting of a Legend: Nelly Korda’s Heartfelt Tribute to Stacy Lewis
The women’s golf world was stunned this week when Stacy Lewis, a 13-time LPGA winner and former world No. 1, announced her retirement. In the wake of that news, star golfer Nelly Korda stepped forward with a moving tribute — one full of respect, admiration, and raw emotion.
“She’s done so much for American women’s golf,” Korda said, her voice trembling slightly. “Her hard work, her work ethic, resilience — that speaks for itself.”
These words weren’t just polite platitudes. They came from one professional to another, from one generation to the next, as Korda sought to honor the impact Lewis has made — not only on the scoreboard, but on the spirit of women’s golf.
The Legacy Behind the Applause
Stacy Lewis’s path to greatness wasn’t an easy one. From battling serious back issues in her teens to rigors that would have broken many, she embodied resilience at every turn. She carved out her legacy against the odds, becoming a role model both on and off the course.
For Korda, Lewis has long been more than a competitor — she’s been an example. In their recent pairing at the NW Arkansas Championship, Korda had a front-row seat to Lewis’s talent, grit, and grace. That experience deepened her admiration.
“Getting to share this round with her … it’s been incredible,” Korda added.
Tears, Respect & the Passing of the Torch
When veterans retire, there’s always a mixture of sadness and respect. But for Korda, it felt like a moment of reckoning. She knows what it takes to reach the top — and she knows how rare it is to find someone whose journey pulls at the heart as much as it inspires.
Her tribute was more than words. It was acknowledgment of a journey, a legacy, and a bridge between eras. And it resonated — not just with golf fans, but everyone who has ever looked up to a trailblazer.
What’s Next — But Never Forgotten
Stacy Lewis may be stepping away from tournament play, but her influence will echo for decades. And for Korda, that influence will live on through every swing, every battle, and every new chapter she writes on the tour.
One thing is certain: Lewis’s retirement marked not an end, but a handoff. And in that moment, Korda made sure everyone understood how sacred that baton truly is.
