Jessica Korda, a top LPGA golfer, has had an impressive career with six professional wins. Recently, she faced challenges, including a back injury and preparing for motherhood. This article highlights her achievements, career journey, recent updates, and future prospects.
Key Takeaways
Jessica Korda transitioned from an amateur golfer to a professional, achieving her first LPGA Tour victory at the 2012 Women’s Australian Open, marking a significant milestone in her career.
She has recorded multiple LPGA victories, including notable wins at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic and the Honda LPGA Championship, demonstrating consistency and competitiveness at high levels.
Korda is preparing for a comeback to the LPGA Tour in 2026 after facing a back injury and balancing motherhood, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her career and family.
Early Life and Background
Jessica Regina Korda was born on February 27, 1993, into a family where athleticism was a way of life. Her parents, both professional tennis players, instilled a love for sports in their children from a young age. Jessica’s early life was spent in the Czech Republic, where she and her siblings were introduced to various sports. It wasn’t until 2008 that the Korda family moved to the United States, setting the stage for Jessica’s future in golf.
Growing up, Jessica was heavily influenced by her parents, who she credits with shaping her career. At eight, she started golf lessons, inspired by her father’s switch to the sport post-tennis. Jessica’s early golf experiences included playing for the Czech National team until she was 15, demonstrating her talent and dedication.
Both Jessica and her younger sister, Nelly, tried various sports in their childhood, but golf ultimately captured their hearts. Early exposure and family support were vital in their play development as professional golfers.
Jessica’s journey from a young golf enthusiast to a professional athlete showcases her hard work and the strong foundation laid by her parents.
Professional Debut and Rise
Jessica Korda’s shift from amateur to professional golf was marked by notable achievements. After a successful amateur career, highlighted by a victory at the South Atlantic Amateur Championship in 2010, she turned professional the same year, beginning her impactful journey on the LPGA Tour.
The transition from amateur to professional was marked by consistent performances and a growing reputation. Her early success laid a strong foundation, culminating in her first LPGA Tour win in 2012, a pivotal moment in her career.
First LPGA Victory
Jessica Korda’s first LPGA Tour victory came at the 2012 Women’s Australian Open, marking a significant career milestone. She secured the win in a playoff with a total score of 289, showcasing her skill and composure. This victory also made her the first American woman to win the event.
The 2012 Women’s Australian Open solidified Jessica’s place among the top LPGA Tour competitors. The win, a testament to her hard work, set the tone for future successes and highlighted her focus and performance under pressure.
This victory validated Jessica’s potential as a professional golfer, inspiring her to strive for excellence and achieve new heights in her career, ultimately leading to her winning moments.
The 2012 Women’s Australian Open win was the first of many significant achievements for Jessica Korda, paving the way for her continued success on the LPGA Tour.
Subsequent Wins and Consistency
After her breakthrough victory in 2012, Jessica Korda continued her success with a series of impressive wins. Her second LPGA victory came at the 2014 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, where she won by one stroke, further establishing her as a consistent competitor.
In 2018, Jessica achieved another notable victory at the Honda LPGA Championship, showcasing her growth and ability to compete at the highest levels.
Jessica’s latest LPGA win came in 2021 at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, achieved in a playoff scenario. This victory, her sixth professional win, solidified her reputation as one of the top golfers on the LPGA Tour.
Major Championships and Notable Performances
Jessica Korda’s career features numerous notable performances in major championships. One of her significant achievements came in 2022, finishing runner-up in the Chevron Championship with a score of 276, just two strokes behind the champion.
Besides her finished runner up at the Chevron Championship, Jessica has performed well in other major tournaments. Her highest finish in the U.S. Women’s Open came in 2013, where she tied for seventh place.
Jessica’s success in major tournaments reflects her dedication and hard work, contributing to her growing legacy and inspiring fans and fellow golfers.
Solheim Cup Contributions
Jessica Korda has contributed significantly to the United States team in the Solheim Cup, representing her country in 2013, 2019, and 2021. Her participation showcased her commitment to teamwork and ability to perform under pressure. In 2019, Jessica and her sister Nelly combined for six wins and two ties, contributing seven points to Team USA’s total.
The 2021 Solheim Cup highlighted Jessica’s dedication to her team, showcasing her selflessness and commitment to collective success.
Jessica’s contributions to the Solheim Cup have been instrumental, with her teamwork and camaraderie with her sister Nelly particularly noteworthy.
Personal Life and Milestones
Off the golf course, Jessica Korda has celebrated significant personal milestones. She married Johnny DelPrete on December 11, 2021, a joyous occasion marking their supportive and inspiring journey together.
In August 2023, Jessica announced she was expecting her first child, due in February 2024. This news marked a new chapter as she prepared to balance motherhood with her professional aspirations.
Jessica’s personal life has been filled with meaningful moments that have shaped her journey. Her ability to balance her career and personal life is a testament to her strength and resilience, inspiring many.
Recent Career Developments
Jessica Korda’s career faced challenges in recent years, particularly a back injury that sidelined her for the entire 2022 LPGA season. Despite this setback, she remained ranked 18th in the Women’s World Golf Rankings by the end of 2022.
The injury has led Jessica to prioritize her long-term health, focusing on a careful recovery. She used this time to evaluate her readiness post-maternity leave and plan her return to the LPGA Tour in 2026, demonstrating maturity and understanding of long-term health’s importance.
Jessica’s recent career developments have been shaped by her injury and focus on family. Her social media activity reflects a balance of golf, family time, and recovery, marked by resilience and a positive outlook on her future in the sport.
Influence on Younger Sister Nelly Korda
Jessica Korda’s influence on her younger sister Nelly has been profound. Nelly views Jessica as a source of guidance and support, often feeling more comfortable and motivated when they compete together. Despite being rivals on the course, the Korda sisters maintain a relationship built on mutual respect and admiration.
The bond between Jessica and Nelly highlights the strong family connections in competitive sports. Their unique dynamic adds a special element to their careers, and their support for each other continues to inspire fans and fellow golfers.
Jessica has significantly influenced Nelly’s growth and success as a professional golfer.
Future Prospects and Comeback
Looking ahead, Jessica Korda plans to return to the LPGA Tour in 2026, balancing her professional aspirations with her new role as a mother. The LPGA’s maternity policy allows players to compete within two years postpartum, enabling Jessica to focus on recovery and family.
Her social media hints at a balanced approach, mixing golf with family time and recovery. Jessica humorously notes her daily life includes mundane tasks, highlighting the balance between recovery and normalcy. Despite time away, she remains connected to golf, sharing content of her swings and reflecting her ongoing passion.
Jessica’s future prospects are bright, with her planned 2026 comeback eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow golfers. Her journey through motherhood and recovery exemplifies her resilience and determination, promising an exciting new chapter in her career.
Summary
Jessica Korda’s career has been marked by significant achievements, from her early victories to her notable performances in major championships and contributions to team events like the Solheim Cup. Her resilience and determination have been evident in her recent career developments, as she navigates the challenges of injury and prepares for her return to the LPGA Tour.
As Jessica balances her professional aspirations with her new role as a mother, her journey continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world. Her influence on her younger sister Nelly and her contributions to the sport of golf highlight her impact both on and off the course. Jessica Korda’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and triumph, and her future in the sport promises to be just as remarkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jessica Korda’s spouse?
Jessica Korda is married to Johnny DelPrete.
How many children does Jessica Korda have?
Jessica Korda has one child.
When did Jessica Korda turn professional?
Jessica Korda turned professional in 2010.
How many professional wins does Jessica Korda have?
Jessica Korda has a total of six professional wins.
What was Jessica Korda’s best result in the Chevron Championship?
Jessica Korda achieved her best result in the Chevron Championship with a second-place finish in 2022.
