ORLANDO, Fla. – Amidst the holiday atmosphere of the PNC Championship, the conversation surrounding World No. 1 Nelly Korda has shifted from her dominant ball-striking to a diamond ring and a new chapter of life. The 27-year-old LPGA superstar is entering the holiday season with much to celebrate, following a high-profile engagement that highlights a landmark year for the most famous family in sports.
A Traditional Proposal
The story of Korda’s engagement to Casey Gunderson sounds like a scene from a classic romance, rooted in tradition and respect. Before asking for Nelly’s hand, Gunderson made a point to secure the blessing of her parents, retired tennis champions Petr and Regina Korda. Knowing the way to a Czech family’s heart, he arrived at the Korda residence armed with a peace offering of fruit-filled dumplings.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Nelly said with a bright smile during her press availability in Orlando. “He’s very thoughtful.” This blend of old-fashioned gestures and modern romance has clearly resonated with the Korda family, who value the tight-knit bond that has anchored their collective athletic success.
A Double Celebration for the Korda Clan
The engagement, which Nelly announced to the public the day after Thanksgiving, is part of a whirlwind of romantic milestones for the household. Just weeks prior, her younger brother Sebastian, a 25-year-old rising star on the ATP Tour, revealed his own engagement to Ivana Nedved.
The connection between the two couples runs deep; Nelly and Ivana were childhood best friends long before the romantic spark ignited between Sebastian and Ivana. For Nelly, the union was never a matter of “if,” but “when.” “I honestly knew since like 14 that they were going to get married,” she remarked, highlighting the long-standing history that makes the upcoming family nuptials even more meaningful.
Balancing Life and the 2026 LPGA Schedule
As the Korda family prepares to gather for Christmas—a rare occurrence given the demanding “globe-trotting” schedules of professional golfers and tennis players—Nelly is already looking ahead to how her personal life will intersect with her professional career.
There has been significant buzz regarding Korda’s 2026 calendar. As she transitions into planning a wedding and embracing her new status, Korda has signaled a move toward a “smaller” LPGA schedule for the 2026 season. After years of relentless travel and maintaining her position at the pinnacle of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, the decision to trim her tournament appearances reflects a desire for balance.
By prioritizing quality over quantity in her starts, Korda aims to maintain her competitive edge while ensuring she has the time to enjoy this transitional period of her life. While fans may see less of her on the course in 2026, the strategy suggests a long-term approach to a career that shows no signs of slowing down. For now, however, the focus remains on the “Family” theme of the PNC Championship and a well-deserved break with the people who matter most.