Nelly Korda isn’t just one of the most successful golfers on the LPGA Tour; she’s also one of the tallest. At 5’10” (178 cm), Nelly stands out both on and off the golf course. Whether she’s driving long distances on the green or walking the red carpet at the Met Gala, her stature is impossible to miss. But what role does her height play in her performance, and how does it shape perceptions of her career and personality?
This blog answers those questions and dives into the fascinating life, career, and legacy of Nelly Korda. Plus, we’ll even sprinkle in some lesser-known facts about the world’s No. 1-ranked female golfer.
How Tall is Nelly Korda?
To put it straightforwardly, Nelly Korda is 5 feet 10 inches tall, or 178 cm. Among female golfers, her height makes her one of the tallest on the LPGA Tour.
Her height doesn’t just set her apart visually—it also gives her a competitive edge on the course. Taller players often have a longer swing arc, which translates to more power and greater driving distances. This enables Nelly to position herself strategically on the course, often outperforming competitors with shorter drives.
This advantage has manifested itself very clearly in her career. For example, Nelly’s impressive driving distance in tournaments often allows her to reduce the amount of short game play required—giving her a leg up in competition.
But her height hasn’t only captured attention on the greens. At the 2024 Met Gala, her towering stature (especially in high heels!) became a talking point, as she joked about standing taller than most attendees, including celebrities and athletes.
Quick Fact
Her sister, Jessica Korda, is even taller at 5’11”, making the Korda sisters a striking duo on and off the course.
Who is Nelly Korda?
A Family Built for Athletic Success
Nelly Korda wasn’t just born to be great—she was born into greatness. Her parents, Petr Korda and Regina Rajchrtová, are former professional tennis players from the Czech Republic. Her father won the 1998 Australian Open, further solidifying sporty roots in the Korda household.
She shares the athletic gene pool with her two siblings. Jessica Korda, her elder sister, is also an accomplished golfer on the LPGA Tour, while her younger brother, Sebastian Korda, has risen to fame as a professional tennis player.
Nelly’s Golfing Career
Nelly’s professional golfing career began on the Symetra Tour in 2016, where she made waves by winning her very first event, the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge. This victory launched her into the LPGA Tour by 2017, where her career truly took off.
At just 26 years old, Nelly Korda has accumulated an impressive array of accomplishments, including:
- 15 Career LPGA Tour Wins, including two major championships (2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and 2024 Chevron Championship).
- Gold Medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in women’s golf, making her the only American woman to win gold in the event since 1900.
- Multiple appearances at the Solheim Cup, representing Team USA.
Nelly’s consistent performance and ability to deliver under pressure earned her the title of World No. 1, a ranking she’s held multiple times during her career.
Nelly Korda’s Athletic Build and Its Impact
What makes Nelly Korda’s build advantageous isn’t just her height—it’s her overall athleticism. Her tall, lean frame gives her a natural advantage in areas critical to golfing excellence.
1. Powerful Driving Distance
Players with longer arms and taller builds like Nelly often generate more leverage during their swings. This leads to high clubhead speeds and longer drives—a key metric in competitive golf.
2. Posture and Swing Mechanics
A taller stature enables Nelly to maintain excellent posture throughout her swing, giving her greater control over her shots and improving her accuracy on the course.
3. Physical Fitness
Notably, Nelly has spoken about the importance of maintaining peak physical conditioning to complement her natural height and strength. Her fitness routine includes exercises designed to enhance core stability, balance, and swing precision—all essential elements for taking advantage of her tall frame.
Nelly Korda Beyond Golf
Outside the golf course, Nelly’s striking height continues to make an impression.
1. The 2024 Met Gala
Nelly attended the Met Gala in 2024, where her height turned heads yet again. Dressed in a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown and paired with heels, she found herself towering above many celebrities, even cracking jokes about enjoying the elevated “air.”
2. Fashion and Endorsements
Nelly isn’t just celebrated for her golfing—it’s her flair for fashion that has turned her into a style icon among athletes. Representing global brands like Nike and TaylorMade, she continues to inspire young women not only in sports but also as a leader in athletic fashion.
3. Personal Life
Beyond her professional accolades, Nelly enjoys a fulfilling personal life. Since 2019, she has been in a relationship with professional hockey player Andreas Athanasiou. Together, they represent a power couple in the sports world.
Nelly also uses her platform to mentor aspiring athletes, further solidifying her influence both on and off the course.
Fun Facts About Nelly Korda
- Height Among Peers: At 5’10”, Nelly is taller than many of her LPGA Tour peers, which further enhances her commanding presence on the green.
- The Korda Family Slam: Nelly’s family holds an incredible distinction—her dad, sister, and brother have all won major sports tournaments in Australia, earning them the nickname “The Korda Family Slam.”
- Earnings: Nelly’s annual income from tournament wins and brand endorsements is estimated to be in the millions, placing her among the highest-paid female athletes in the world.
Why Nelly Korda’s Height is Only One Aspect of Her Greatness
Nelly Korda’s 5’10” frame undoubtedly gives her an advantage on the golf course. But her success is about far more than physical attributes. Her commitment to training, her mental strength under pressure, and her responsibility as a role model all showcase a depth of greatness that sets her apart.
Whether she’s winning majors, dazzling crowds at the Met Gala, or inspiring the next generation of athletes, Nelly Korda is proof that standing tall, both literally and figuratively, makes all the difference.
Interested in learning about other golfing legends? Check out our related articles on rising LPGA stars and the tallest players on the Tour.
FAQs
How tall and how much does Nelly Korda weigh?
Nelly Korda is 5’10” (178 cm) tall. While her exact weight is not publicly confirmed, reports estimate it to be between 60-65 kg (132-143 lbs).
What ethnicity is Nelly Korda?
Nelly is of Czech descent. Both her parents were born in the Czech Republic before immigrating to the United States.
How much money does Nelly Korda make annually?
Between her LPGA earnings and endorsement deals with brands like Nike and TaylorMade, it’s estimated that Nelly earns several million dollars annually.
What is the age difference between Nelly and Jessica Korda?
Nelly is three years younger than her sister Jessica, who was born in 1993. Nelly was born in July 1998.
