“If Not Golf, Then This?”: Nelly Korda’s Shocking Academic Ambition Before Her Golf Career Took Off

Before she became a household name in the world of golf, Nelly Korda had her eyes on something completely different — and fans can’t believe what her life could have looked like if she hadn’t chosen to go pro.

In a recent interview, the 25-year-old LPGA star opened up about her early teenage years, revealing that she once had a very different path in mind — one that had absolutely nothing to do with fairways, birdies, or major championships.

A Dream Beyond the Greens
Nelly admitted that before fully committing to golf, she had been seriously considering studying architecture in college.

“I was always fascinated by design and structure,” she shared. “When I was younger, I used to sketch buildings in my free time. I loved the idea of creating something lasting—something you could walk through or live in.”
Fans were stunned. The idea that one of the most dominant forces in women’s golf almost pursued a life of blueprints and design studios was unexpected, but it also gave fans a fresh glimpse into the multi-dimensional personality behind the athlete.

A Tough Choice — Passion vs. Potential
Nelly went on to explain that she reached a fork in the road as a teenager. While her grades were strong and her love for architecture was real, golf had already started calling. By the time she was 15, she had to make a decision: go all-in on the sport or juggle school and competition.

“It was a big moment,” she said. “I had to ask myself what I was willing to give 100% to. And even though I loved the idea of college and studying, golf had my heart.”
What Might Have Been
The revelation left fans on social media buzzing with curiosity about what kind of architect Nelly Korda might have been — with some even joking that she’d probably have built the most stylish golf courses in the world.

“Imagine walking into a clubhouse designed by Nelly Korda. I’d book a tee time just for that.”
“Golf’s gain was architecture’s loss!”
“Now I want to see her design her own dream house!”
Still a Creative Spirit
Despite her detour from the world of academia, Nelly said she still channels her creative side in different ways — from fashion and home decor to helping design custom golf gear and collaborating with brands.

“Just because I didn’t go down that road doesn’t mean that part of me disappeared. I still love aesthetics, clean lines, and well-thought-out spaces. It shows up in other areas of my life.”
A Lesson in Possibility
Nelly’s story serves as a reminder that even the world’s most successful athletes once had doubts and different dreams. Her openness about her academic ambition has only deepened the admiration fans already had for her — showing that behind the trophies and titles is a woman who could’ve done anything and still chose to be great.

And lucky for the golf world—she chose the green.