On the course, Nelly Korda is having a difficult time. The World No.1 has been far from her dominant self that was displayed last year and is yet to win a title this year on the LPGA Tour. With three majors set to take place in the next three months, the American golfer will be looking for an extra push to bring back her ruthless disposition on the golf course. For that, she can take inspiration from her off-court activities.

Nelly Korda is currently hosting the Nelly Invitational which is taking place at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida this weekend. This is the second edition of the event with Aphrodite Deng winning the first edition last year. This time there is an added spark for the event with new sponsors and new offerings on board.

“I am so grateful for all my sponsors for really supporting my vision for this event.” Nelly Korda explained. This has been something that Korda had wanted since taking part in the AJGA circuit and claiming two titles in 2025 – the Yani Tseng Invitational and the PING Invitational. Her experience on the AJGA circuit allowed her to smoothly transition to the LPGA Tour where she made great strides, claiming 13 titles including two majors. Her exemplary performance in the 2024 season vaulted her to the top of the world rankings as well.

“Creating something so special and unique with Chevron coming on board and giving an exemption to the winner to the next year’s major is absolutely incredible.” Korda stated. The addition of Chevron as a partner to the event has given a different shine altogether for the tournament.

The partnership with Chevron has allowed the Nelly Invitational to hand out  $2000 as a stipend for flights, hotels, rental cars and entry fees with international players being handed an extra $500 as well. This is the highest in AJGA history and with Chevron being present as a partner for the next three years, it could be a thing that players will be looking forward to every year. The exemption to the major is the icing on the cake as the junior players will be relishing the chance to compete against the best golfers in the world.

“Since they were getting an exemption to Chevron 2026, I wanted all the best golfers to come play this event.  To have the best field and then have the best winner play in the first major of the year. For girls to travel across the world to come play this event, means so much.” The World No.1 further added.

This would be a welcome break for the two-time major winner who is currently dealing with the emotional baggage of losing a pet, who has been her companion since a long time. After her pet cat, Rafi passed away, Korda took to social media to share her anguish and sadness. She put a post with the cpation, “You made me a crazy cat lady….Now I am just a crazy lady.” In another slide, Korda posted a video of her playing with Rafi and added a note, “Sending lots and lots of belly rubs to heaven… I hope everyone experiences an unconditional, cuddly love like this in their lifetime.” 

The Nelly Invitational end the experience that all the other young golfers will get from the tournament will form a huge motivational push for Nelly Korda. The event does have a different flavor to it compared to the other tournaments on the AJGA circuit. Currently five players in the top 10 are international players.

Clara Ding leads the international Nelly Invitational

Clara Ding leads the tournament after two rounds of play, with a 1 stroke lead over second-placed Honorine Nobuta Ferry. Coming from Canada, Ding is one of twenty players in the 66-player field from outside the United States of America. Players from China, Japan, Norway, Venezuela, France and many other countries are taking part in the AJGA Invitational event.

Ding carded a brilliant 65 in the first round before stumbling a bit in the second round with a score of 76 at the 72-par event. She and Ferry are the only two players at the event with below par scores after two rounds of play.

Can Clara Ding hold on to her lead and claim the title at the Nelly Invitational and thereby get the chance to play at the 2026 Chevron Championship?