‘Currently Rehabbing the Back’: Nelly Korda’s Sister Jessica Delays LPGA Return Amid Motherhood & Injury Challenges
As the World No. 1 Women’s golfer Nelly Korda battles the elements, at a windy St Andrews in the Women’s British Open’s first round, her elder sister, Jessica Korda is at home. Amid rooting for her sister, Jessica is also taking time out for her fans. She recently asked her followers on Instagram to send in questions as her 5-month-old baby slept. And expectedly one came in about her getting back out on the course.
Replying to a follower who asked when she would be making her return to golf, Jessica wrote, “Currently rehabbing the back. Once I get most of my rotation back I’ll start hitting balls.” For those unaware, it’s been 2 years since Korda hurt her back after falling down a flight of stairs at the 2022 Chevron Championship. Since then, she’s been dealing with the injury on and off, often needing a break from the sport.
On her recent appearance on the LPGA podcast, she even revealed that she had played through the injury that year, and that caused further complications. Korda dubbed that her ‘biggest mistake’ and even wished she could take it back. Late last year, the golf pro went on a hiatus promising a return once the issue with her back was fully resolved. However, whilst away, she got pregnant and her time away has only extended.
Notably, it’s not like she’s forgone the sport altogether. In the podcast, she also revealed that she had been to a few golf clinics and putted a little while she still had a belly, and before she had given birth! And even though she stated that she would start hitting balls soon, she’s also made it clear that raising her child is her priority, and that she’s in no rush to get back to competing whilst that is underway. Fortunately, Korda has plenty of time to both recover and raise her kid, thanks to the maternity policy!
Jessica Korda has the 2-year maternity policy working in her favor
As per LPGA guidelines, golfers are exempt from losing their Tour status while on maternity leave. To sweeten the pot, they can take up to 2 years to return after giving birth. Hence as per this Jessica Korda has up to February 2026 to return to the LPGA Tour since she gave birth to her son, Greyson, earlier this year in February.
This hence gives the 6-time LPGA winner plenty of time to both fully recover and bring up Greyson while getting ready for her return. While, of course, it’s likely that she’ll return before that time ends (perhaps something next year) it’s clear that time is on her side. How well she’s goes on to use it though, remains to be seen!
