The 2025 Nelly Korda Invitational wrapped up in style on Sunday, May 4, delivering four days of elite junior golf at one of the most demanding courses in Florida. Held at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, the event brought together 66 of the best junior girls from across the globe—12 countries and 18 U.S. states were represented. With 44 AJGA champions, 27 Rolex Junior All-Americans, and a field stacked with top-ranked players like Gianna Clemente, Scarlett Schremmer, Jude Lee, and Sofia Cherif Essakali, the competition was fierce from the first tee shot.
The defending champion, Aphrodite Deng, returned to the venue where she made waves in 2024, but she wasn’t the only storyline. Many in the field had already committed to powerhouse college golf programs, making this event one of the most talent-rich stops on the junior golf calendar. But what makes the Nelly Korda Invitational truly stand out? It’s more than just birdies and bunker saves—it’s the vibe. This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the future of women’s golf, backed by some of the biggest names in the game.
Even Korda herself couldn’t help but gush. After the event concluded, she reshared the AJGA’s sponsor appreciation post to her Instagram Story, writing: “I feel so lucky to be surrounded and supported by the best sponsors ” Presented by Chevron, the event featured the largest travel stipend in AJGA history and offered the winner a coveted exemption into the 2026 Chevron Championship, one of the LPGA’s five majors. TaylorMade Golf, a longtime AJGA partner and co-founder of the event alongside Korda, returned as a founding sponsor, joined by a heavy-hitting lineup that included Stanley, Delta, Tumi, and others.
The sentiment wasn’t just PR fluff—it’s clear Korda’s passion for this event runs deep. While Korda has been notably absent from several 2025 LPGA events due to health and scheduling priorities, she’s clearly used that time to double down on what matters: giving back to the game and building something lasting for the next generation. And if the 2025 edition was any indication, the future is looking awfully bright. While Korda’s focus on shaping the future of golf is undeniable, her personal journey—filled with milestones both on and off the course—has been marked by the quiet presence of a companion who was there every step of the way.
Rafi, the silent star of Korda’s journey
Before the trophies, before Olympic gold, and long before the Nelly Korda Invitational became a staple of junior golf—there was Rafi. A scruffy little cat who grew up alongside Nelly, Rafi was more than a pet; he was a witness to every major swing in her life. The Korda siblings first welcomed him as “Rafa,” named after Sebastian’s tennis idol Rafael Nadal. Nelly later called him “Rafi,” and the bond only deepened from there.
Rafi was her peace in a world of pressure. From her childhood hole-in-one to her comeback win at the 2023 Aramco Team Series after a 10-week injury break, Rafi was always there. Whether curled up in her lap or stealing the spotlight in a blurry Polaroid from Christmas 2014, he was a constant.
Just days before her 2025 Invitational wrapped, Nelly shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram: Rafi had passed at age 15. “You left the world with a big piece of my heart,” she wrote. It was a loss felt not just by Korda, but by fans who’ve watched her grow into a global superstar. Because behind every legend is a quiet companion, one who never needed a trophy to leave a mark.
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