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Nelly Korda, World No.2 golfer, announced her engagement to Casey Gunderson on social media.Korda finished the 2025 LPGA season without a tournament win, despite nine top-10 finishes.Her engagement was celebrated by sports stars including LeBron James and Michelle Wie West.Korda is known for keeping her personal life private; her fiancé was confirmed by the LPGA Tour.She enters 2026 balancing wedding planning with a quest to return to winning ways.Nelly Korda Announces Engagement After a Challenging LPGA Season
On Black Friday 2025, Nelly Korda—one of golf’s brightest stars—delivered a surprise that had nothing to do with birdies or fairways. The World No.2 posted a series of personal photos on Instagram, revealing her engagement to Casey Gunderson. In a year where her professional triumphs were elusive, Korda found a different kind of victory off the course.
A Year of Near Misses and Consistency
Korda’s 2025 season was paradoxical. Statistically, she improved in several key areas—her game was sharp, her focus unwavering. Yet, the trophies that had come so easily during her record-breaking 2024 remained just out of reach. She finished runner-up twice, landed in the top-10 nine times, and made the top-25 six times across 19 tournaments. Notably, she didn’t miss a single cut, a testament to her consistency and resilience. But the winner’s circle remained elusive.
Contrast this with the previous year: Korda was unstoppable in early 2024, notching five consecutive wins, six victories in seven starts, and a second Major at the Chevron Championship. Her dominance earned her both the Rolex Player of the Year and the Annika Major Award. In 2025, despite improved stats in some categories, she couldn’t quite convert her steady play into wins—a quirk of elite sport where numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
Private Joys, Public Support
While her golf game faced setbacks, Korda’s personal life took center stage. Her engagement announcement was accompanied by a collage of images: the happy couple, their dog, a playful beach moment, and a newspaper headline reading “We’re Getting Married!” The reveal was both stylish and intimate, capturing the joy of the occasion while maintaining the privacy she fiercely protects.
The response was swift and enthusiastic. Superstars like LeBron James and Caitlin Clark, as well as golfing icons Michelle Wie West, Rose Zhang, Andrea Lee, Lauren Coughlin, and Morgan Pressel, sent their congratulations. Her sister Jessica, herself an accomplished golfer, quipped, “Sorry boys, she’s off the market.” For fans and fellow athletes, it was a chance to celebrate Korda’s happiness after a year where her on-course fortunes had stalled.
Meet Casey Gunderson: The Mystery Fiance
For years, Korda kept her relationship out of the public eye. Until now, she hadn’t posted anything on social media with her fiancé. The LPGA Tour confirmed his identity as Casey Gunderson, but little is known about him beyond the photos shared. Gunderson, a mystery to many outside Korda’s inner circle, seemed perfectly at ease in the engagement shots—an indicator of their close, private bond.
Protecting her personal life has long been a priority for Korda, who has navigated the scrutiny that comes with global sporting success. The engagement announcement was a rare glimpse behind the curtain, offering fans a moment of connection without sacrificing her boundaries.
What’s Next: Wedding Bells and a Return to Form?
With wedding planning now added to her busy schedule, Korda faces an intriguing 2026. Will stepping away from the relentless pressure of chasing titles recharge her competitive edge? History suggests that athletes often find renewed motivation after major life events, and Korda’s track record—seven wins in a single season—proves she has the talent to reclaim the top spot.
She’ll enter the new season with fresh perspective, balancing the demands of elite golf with the joys of personal fulfillment. For the LPGA Tour, her return to form would be a storyline to watch, as Korda remains one of the sport’s most marketable and charismatic stars.
Legacy and Influence Beyond the Scorecard
Korda’s 2025 wasn’t defined by trophies, but by persistence and grace. She set a standard for consistency, never missing a cut and staying competitive in every event. In an era where athletes are expected to share every detail, her discretion has set her apart—proof that personal milestones can shine as brightly as professional ones.
Her engagement, celebrated by icons from both the sports and golf worlds, underscores her broad appeal. Korda’s journey reminds us that success isn’t always measured in wins, and that moments off the course can be just as meaningful as those on it.
In a year where numbers didn’t add up to victory, Nelly Korda’s engagement became the defining moment of her 2025. Her ability to maintain elite performance while embracing personal happiness demonstrates a rare balance—one that could fuel her pursuit of future championships, both on and off the course.