Last weekend, Nelly Korda became the first athlete confirmed for the 2025 edition of Sports Illustrated’s iconic SI Swimsuit issue. On Thursday, Sports Illustrated shared the first images from Korda’s SI Swimsuit shoot, and they're just as confident and classy as you might expect from the 2024 Chevron champ. Korda, who won six times in 2024, claimed the LPGA’s Rolex Player of the Year award with three events to spare. Needless to say, it’s been a heck of a week for the women’s World No. 1.
Setting the scene: Boca Raton as a backdrop for an iconic shoot
With its dreamy weather, palm-lined boulevards and coastal breezes, Boca Raton is a picture-perfect setting. The Boca Raton resort blends legacy and luxury in one sprawling, Mediterranean Revival-style property. From its grand, arched corridors to its serene spa and beach club, it offers beauty at every turn.
The SI Swimsuit fashion team headed to Florida with a vision, aiming to fuse timeless simplicity with fierce athleticism. Structured garments in vibrant hues helped to anchor each image while also allowing Korda’s strength and beauty to shine through.
The photographer and the creative team
Nelly Korda was photographed by Ben Horton in Boca Raton, Fla., for the 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue, alongside fellow models Anna Hall, Ali Truwit, Cameron Brink, Caroline Marks, Eileen Gu, Gabby Thomas, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee and Toni Breidinger. Hair was by Sam Leonardi at Art Department using Kérastase; makeup by Tracy Murphy at Statement Artists using Kiehl's and Charlotte Tilbury. The photographer credited is Ben Horton, with the shoots showcasing a blend of athletic poise and refined fashion sense.
Wardrobe and branding: a blend of performance and elegance
Swimsuits by multiple designers appear across the shoots, highlighting a rotating gallery of labels including PARAMIDONNA, Indah, Vitamin A, PatBO, LaQuan Smith, Angelys Balek, Agua Bendita, St. Agni, CLEONIE SWIM, Yasmine Eslami and more. This diversity underscores a deliberate pairing of high-performance aesthetics with timeless swimwear silhouettes. The result is a visual narrative that emphasizes strength, grace, and precision both on the course and in front of the camera.
Nelly Korda is the No. 1 female golfer in the world with 14 LPGA titles and an Olympic gold medal to her name. In 2024, she became the third woman in LPGA history to win five consecutive tournaments. The Florida native also has fashion and equipment partnerships with Nike and TaylorMade, bringing strength, grace and precision to everything she does-both on the course and in front of the camera.
Career highlights and accolades
After turning pro in 2016, Korda joined the LPGA Tour the following year and won her first LPGA Tour title in 2018. The Bradenton, Fla., native has claimed a total of 15 LPGA wins to date, seven of which took place in 2024 alone. In doing so, Korda became the third woman in LPGA Tour history to claim five consecutive victories, starting with the 2024 LPGA Drive On Championship in January and concluding with the Chevron Championship in March. Korda was named the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year by the LPGA and won the Rolex Annika Major Award. In addition to her prowess on the LPGA Tour, Korda is a two-time Olympian.
Strategic presentation: the synergy of sport and celebrity
The 2025 SI Swimsuit issue positions Korda alongside a diverse group of athletes and performers, including sprinter Gabby Thomas, gymnast Suni Lee and skier Eileen Gu. The collaboration signals SI Swimsuit’s continued emphasis on athletic achievement, style, and personal narrative, reinforcing Korda’s identity as a world-class athlete who excels under pressure and appears poised in front of the camera.
Visuals and imagery: what the shoots convey
The imagery emphasizes a fusion of athletic confidence and poised elegance. The looks prioritize strong lines and vibrant color palettes to complement Korda’s physicality and focus. The result is a portrayal that aligns with her reputation as a champion on the golf course and a compelling public figure off it.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Nelly Korda |
| Event | 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue announcement |
| Location | The Boca Raton, Florida |
| Photographer | Ben Horton |
| Notable accolades | 2024 Rolex Player of the Year; Olympic gold medalist; 15 LPGA wins |
In addition to her golf and fashion, Korda’s involvement with notable institutions and media appearances, such as the Met Gala, reinforces her multifaceted public persona. The collaboration with SI Swimsuit expands her visibility while aligning with the issue’s tradition of celebrating athletic excellence and style in a global context.