Tiger Woods has broken his silence and defended Nelly Korda after she was attacked online. He called it ‘a crime against golf’, and Korda’s emotional response made Woods proud.
Tiger Woods, one of golf’s most iconic figures, recently spoke out in defense of Nelly Korda, the former world number one women’s golfer, following a wave of online criticism directed at her performance in the 2025 LPGA season. The 15-time major champion, known for his reserved nature in recent years, described the attacks on Korda as “a crime against golf,” emphasizing the unfair pressure placed on the young star. Woods’ comments, made during a rare press conference on September 22, 2025, have sparked widespread discussion in the golfing community, with many rallying behind both him and Korda.
Korda, who has yet to secure a victory in the 2025 season despite a strong statistical performance, faced harsh scrutiny on social media platforms, particularly after her T66 finish at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Critics pointed to her lack of wins and her drop from the top world ranking to number eight as evidence of a decline. Some even questioned her mental toughness, a critique Woods found particularly egregious. “Nelly is a generational talent,” Woods stated. “She’s won six times in a single season before, and she’s only 27. To tear her down for a tough year is not just unfair—it’s a disservice to the sport we all love.”
Woods, who has faced his own share of public criticism throughout his career, drew parallels between his experiences and Korda’s. He highlighted the toll that constant scrutiny can take, especially in an era where social media amplifies every misstep. “I’ve been there,” Woods said. “The noise gets loud, but what matters is how you respond. Nelly’s handling it with grace, and that’s what makes her special.” His words resonated with fans, many of whom flooded platforms like X with messages of support for Korda, using hashtags like #StandWithNelly.
Korda’s response to the criticism, shared in an emotional post on Instagram, further endeared her to Woods. “Golf is hard, and I’m harder on myself than anyone else could ever be,” she wrote. “But I’m grateful for the support and for legends like Tiger who remind me why I play.” Her vulnerability struck a chord, and Woods later said her words made him “proud to be part of this game.” He praised her resilience, noting her ability to stay competitive, as evidenced by her runner-up finish at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, where she was just two strokes behind champion Maja Stark.
The golfing world has rallied around Korda, with players like Stacy Lewis and Charley Hull also speaking out against the online vitriol. Lewis, who recently retired, called Korda “the future of golf” and urged fans to focus on her contributions to the sport. As Korda prepares for her next event, Woods’ defense has shifted the narrative, reminding everyone of her undeniable talent and potential. With the support of a legend and her own determination, Korda is poised to silence her critics—not with words, but with her clubs.
