The Nelly Invitational is quickly establishing itself as one of the premier junior golf events in the world, and 2025 marks just its second edition. Hosted by world No. 1 Nelly Korda, the all-girls event is played at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, a challenging venue known for hosting top-tier amateur competitions. Korda, a three-time Rolex Junior All-American and AJGA alumna, is giving back to the junior golf community by elevating an event that showcases elite talent and provides a legitimate stepping stone to the professional ranks. As the Nelly Korda Invitational continues to rise in stature, its format ensures that this is more than just a showcase; it’s a high-stakes competition designed to give young golfers the ultimate test.

The Nelly Invitational format

The tournament features a 54-hole, stroke-play format with a field of 66 players between the ages of 12 and 19. Though the field is small, the competition is intense, and the stakes have never been higher. With the backing of new presenting sponsor Chevron, the event now offers more than just prestige. The 2025 champion will receive a special exemption into the 2026 Chevron Championship, the LPGA’s first major of the season. This LPGA exemption is a groundbreaking opportunity, giving a junior golfer a chance to test her game against the world’s best on one of golf’s biggest stages.

Chevron’s three-year commitment to the event includes providing the largest travel stipend in AJGA stroke-play history: $2,000 for domestic players and an additional $500 for international players. This financial support helps eliminate barriers for players traveling across the country or even the globe to compete. In turn, the event has expanded its reach, welcoming players not only from the Rolex AJGA Rankings but also from the World Amateur Golf Ranking, opening the door to top international competitors who may not be AJGA members. With a growing international presence and financial backing, the Nelly Korda Invitational is poised to bring even more talent to the spotlight, and the 2025 event will certainly make its mark in junior golf. So, when and where can you watch it?

Nelly Invitational dates and venue

The 2025 Nelly Invitational will take place at a pivotal time in the junior golf season, offering a prime opportunity for top young golfers to showcase their talent. Set for May 1–4, 2025, the tournament will feature three days of intense competition, with official rounds running from Friday, May 2, through Sunday, May 4. Players will tee off each morning from split tees, starting at 8:00 a.m. from both the first and tenth tees. Admission to the event is free, providing fans and college coaches the chance to witness the future stars of the sport in action.

This year’s event will be held at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida—one of the most challenging and prestigious golf courses in the United States. Located at 7700 Lindrick Lane, The Concession was designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. Opened in 2006, the course is inspired by the iconic moment in the 1969 Ryder Cup when Nicklaus made the historic gesture of conceding a putt to Jacklin, leading to the first tie in Ryder Cup history. That moment, known as “The Concession,” serves as a fitting tribute to the course’s design and the spirit of sportsmanship it embodies.

Spanning 7,474 yards from the longest tees and boasting a par 72, The Concession is renowned for its strategic layout, undulating greens, and challenging design. The course demands creativity, precision, and mental resilience—traits essential for any golfer with LPGA aspirations. This makes the 2025 Nelly Korda Invitational a highly anticipated event in the junior golf calendar. With such a formidable stage set, all eyes now turn to the players who will rise to the challenge and seize the opportunity to shine. So, here are the top players to look forward to.

Players to look out for

As a result of the expanded eligibility and travel support, the field in 2025 is stronger and more diverse than ever before. In 2025, the tournament features 12 of the top 25 girls in the Rolex AJGA Rankings, along with standouts from 12 countries and 18 U.S. states. Included in this group is Gianna Clemente, the 2024 Rolex Junior Player of the Year, who enters the event ranked No. 2 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings. She’s joined by a talented group of peers, including No. 5 Scarlett Schremmer, No. 8 Natalie Yen, No. 9 Jude Lee, No. 12 Amelie Zalsman, and No. 13 Sofia Cherif Essakali. The depth of the field is underscored by the presence of 44 past AJGA champions and 27 Rolex Junior All-Americans. Many in the field are already committed to playing college golf, either verbally or through National Letters of Intent, making this a preview of the next wave of collegiate and professional stars.

For Korda, this event is personal. Her own journey through junior golf helped shape her into one of the top players in the world. By hosting an invitational that focuses on access, opportunity, and elite competition, she’s aiming to do more than just crown a winner. As she said when announcing the Chevron partnership, “With their support, we’re creating an event that not only brings together some of the best girls from around the world but also provides a platform to inspire and empower the next generation.”

That sense of mission resonates throughout the tournament. The Nelly Invitational is more than just another event on the junior calendar. It’s a launching pad, a proving ground, and a celebration of what’s possible when young talent is nurtured and showcased on a big stage. For the girls teeing it up in Bradenton this May, the path to the LPGA might just begin here.