🔥 “DEEPLY HURT” – Nelly Korda: “I never imagined fans from my own country would betray me and cause this pain.” The World No.1 LPGA star was reduced to tears after facing insults from American supporters at the 2025 Buick LPGA Shanghai, pushing both the organizers and the LPGA to release a formal apology.
The Buick LPGA Shanghai 2025 was meant to be a celebration of world-class golf, showcasing the best female players on the planet. Instead, it turned into one of the most shocking and emotional moments in the career of Nelly Korda, the No.1 ranked player in the world. The 26-year-old American superstar, admired globally for her talent and grace, was left in tears after an ugly confrontation with a group of fans—fans who, to her disbelief, were from her own country.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident unfolded during the tense final round, when Korda missed a crucial birdie putt on the 14th hole. A small but loud group of American spectators began to heckle her, shouting insults that cut deeper than any competitive setback. According to onlookers, they accused her of “choking,” questioned her patriotism, and mocked her composure under pressure.
Korda, visibly shaken, tried to maintain focus as cameras captured her eyes welling up with tears. After completing the hole, she stepped aside for a brief moment, lowering her head and wiping her face before gathering the strength to continue. Later, when asked about the emotional scene, she confessed, “I never imagined fans from my own country would betray me and cause this pain. It’s deeply hurtful.”
Her words spread like wildfire. Clips of Korda’s tears went viral within hours, dominating sports media and sparking outrage among fans worldwide. Many rallied behind her, condemning the behavior of the hecklers and demanding accountability from tournament officials. The backlash grew so intense that both the Buick LPGA Shanghai organizers and the LPGA itself issued formal apologies to Korda, promising stricter measures against abusive behavior.
“This should never happen to any player, let alone one of our finest champions,” the LPGA statement read. “We stand with Nelly and reaffirm our commitment to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all athletes.”
The apology, while welcomed, has not erased the sting of betrayal that Korda expressed. Analysts noted that the incident struck a nerve because it highlighted the often-overlooked mental and emotional challenges professional athletes endure, especially when pressure and criticism cross the line into cruelty.
Support poured in from fellow golfers and sports icons across the globe. Several players, including major champions, posted messages of solidarity, reminding Korda that her accomplishments and resilience far outweigh the noise of negativity. Fans from around the world flooded her social media with words of encouragement, vowing to drown out the voices of hate with overwhelming love and support.
Though the incident cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of competitive glory, it also revealed the human side of Nelly Korda—a champion not just for her victories, but for her vulnerability. The Buick LPGA Shanghai will be remembered not for the scorecard, but for the night the world saw how much words can wound, and how courage means standing tall even when the hurt cuts deepest.
