In a surprising turn of events, World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda has announced she will not be competing in the 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open, scheduled to take place from July 3 to July 6 at Carton House, Maynooth, Ireland. This unexpected withdrawal has left fans and the golfing community speculating about the reasons behind her absence.
Korda’s decision to skip the tournament comes on the heels of her performance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where she finished in a tie for 19th place. Although the result wasn’t poor by any standard, it fell short of expectations for the top-ranked player. What caught even more attention during that event was her visible neck discomfort, which she later revealed to be a result of muscle spasms. She was spotted wearing therapeutic tape around her neck, signaling that the issue might be more serious than initially believed.
Following the PGA Championship, Korda has been relatively low-key. She recently shared a few snapshots on Instagram showing her taking time off at the beach and at the airport, suggesting she’s prioritizing recovery and rest. While there hasn’t been an official statement attributing her withdrawal to injury, it’s widely believed that her neck problems — combined with a rigorous travel and competition schedule — played a significant role in her decision.
The KPMG Women’s Irish Open is one of the premier events in the Ladies European Tour, and Korda’s absence will certainly be felt both in terms of star power and competition. Organizers and fans alike were eager to see the American sensation bring her talent to Ireland, and her withdrawal is a blow to the tournament’s draw. However, her health and long-term career come first, and many fans are showing support and understanding for her choice to step back.
Looking ahead, Korda is expected to make a return for the Amundi Evian Championship (July 10–13) in France and the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open (July 24–27). She’s also confirmed for the CPKC Women’s Open in Canada later in August, suggesting that this break is temporary and strategic.
In the world of elite sports, timing and recovery are everything, and Korda’s calculated break could very well be a smart move. With major championships around the corner, she appears to be managing her schedule wisely to maintain peak form and avoid further injury.
