In a world where professional athletes typically showcase a life of strenuous conditioning, glitzy tournaments, and perpetual preparation for the next big showdown on their social media, Jessica Korda, a six-time LPGA Tour champion, offers a refreshing perspective. Having taken a break from competitive golf since May 2023 due to a persistent back injury, Korda’s life has shifted from the greens to focusing on healing, family, and her cherished Goldendoodle, Charlie.
Interestingly, Korda’s hiatus from golf isn’t solely about recovery and training. It also involves certain mundane tasks that aren’t as glamorous. The golf star recently shared an amusing yet candid peek into her everyday life. She humorously quipped, “Because you guys think that I’m out playing golf, but that was literally like 45 minutes of today, and now I’m just outside picking up dog sh-t.”
Contrary to what one might assume, Korda isn’t spending endless hours perfecting her swings on the course. For now, her primary challenge appears to be dealing with Charlie’s mess. However, golf remains a significant part of her life, as evidenced by a recent video she posted of herself taking a swing. The caption, “One swing at a time, There’s no need to rush..It’s like learning to fly… Or falling in love,” indicates her measured approach towards her eventual return to the sport.
Korda has plans to make her eagerly awaited comeback to the LPGA Tour in 2026. She revealed, “I’m definitely itching to be able to play again, how much, I’m not so sure. I’ll take 2025 to assess and then per our maternity, 2026 is kind of what we’re shooting for.” The exact date or event of her return, however, remains unconfirmed.
Understanding the potential harm in rushing her recovery, Korda is prioritizing her long-term health — a balance that many athletes find hard to strike. This means more time spent at home, deeper connections with family, and, of course, bonding with her furry companion Charlie, who has found his own fanbase on social media.
Off the course, Korda’s life is filled with family time, which prominently features her fur baby, Charlie. Korda celebrated Charlie’s 7th birthday in October 2024 with a touching Instagram post expressing her affection for her “first baby” and “snuggle bug.”
But Charlie’s fame isn’t limited to Instagram. He has found his way onto Korda’s custom golf towels and even managed to steal the limelight at tournaments. During the Grant Thornton Invitational in December 2024, PGA pro Rickie Fowler FaceTimed his daughter just to acquaint her with Jessica’s beloved pet. It’s safe to say that when your pet is worthy of screen time with PGA professionals, they’ve truly hit the big leagues.
While Korda’s six LPGA Tour victories solidify her status as a professional golfer, her latest Instagram stories reveal that she shares common everyday experiences with us all. Whether it’s gearing up for a comeback or cleaning up after Charlie, she approaches life with humor and authenticity. If there’s a lesson to be gleaned from her journey, it’s that regardless of your achievements, life has a knack for keeping you grounded.