Sports Illustrated announced during the weekend that the first person to be photographed for its 2025 swimsuit Issue is Nelly Korda. In a series of images and videos, Sports Illustrated showed some behind-the-scenes content of Korda’s shoot on Instagram.
Korda, who was sidelined from playing during the LPGA’s Asia swing by a minor neck injury, has had a historic LPGA season. The 26-year-old from Florida has won six times, including five in a row – a feat only Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez have achieved. Korda has now won 14 times on the LPGA in her career, including two majors.
The Sports Illustrated photoshoot isn’t the first time the No.1 golfer in the world has been featured in a cultural moment beyond the golf course. In May, she attended the Met Gala in Manhattan. She’s the only LPGA player to have attended the exclusive event, and the first golfer since Tiger Woods. Korda is the first LPGA player to be featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue since Natalie Gulbis was in the 2012 issue.
Though Korda is the first person confirmed for the 2025 Swimsuit issue, she won’t be the only athlete in the magazine.
“We are thrilled to launch our shoot season for the 2025 issue with an extraordinary line-up of powerful female athletes,” SI swimsuit editor-in-chief M.J. Day said. “This remarkable group, featuring Olympic medallists, world champions and record holders, embodies the next generation of all-stars poised to transform the world of sports. They defy stereotypes and champion equality, inspiring young girls to envision themselves as both athletes and leaders.”
