Nelly Plans Lighter 2026 Schedule: Fewer Tournaments to Focus on Life and Peak Performance After Engagement Announcement
Fresh off her engagement to Casey Gunderson, Nelly Korda is hitting the reset button for 2026 with a deliberately lighter LPGA schedule. The World No. 2 plans to skip select events to prioritize rest, training, and personal life — a strategic move to ensure peak form for majors and key tournaments.
“I want to be at my best when it matters most,” Korda shared, echoing sentiments of other top players pushing back against the grueling calendar. After a demanding winless-but-consistent 2025 (19 starts, nine top-10s, nearly $3M earned), she’s learned the value of balance. New equipment tweaks, including a TaylorMade Qi4D driver, will get extra testing time during the off weeks.
The engagement has shifted priorities too — wedding planning, family time, and simply enjoying life outside golf. Sister Jessica and parents Petr and Regina fully support the approach, having seen burnout risks firsthand.
Fans might see fewer regular-season starts, but expect a fiercer Nelly at the KPMG Women’s PGA, U.S. Women’s Open, and Olympics defense. This smarter schedule could unlock the dominance of her seven-win 2024. Balance isn’t laziness — it’s championship strategy.
