Jessica Korda targeting 2026 for return to LPGA Tour

Jessica Korda is eyeing a return to the LPGA Tour in 2026, she said Friday during Golf Channel’s coverage of the Grant Thornton Invitational.

The older sister of world No. 1 Nelly Korda, Jessica last played on tour in May 2023. She took leave because of a back injury and later announced her pregnancy.

Korda gave birth to her first child, son Greyson, Feb. 3.

“I’m definitely itching to be able to play again, how much, I’m not so sure,” Korda said. “I’ll take 2025 to assess and then per our maternity, 2026 is kind of what we’re shooting for.”

The LPGA’s maternity policy allows moms up to two years from the date of their child’s birth before returning.

Though she hasn’t played on the LPGA in 18 months, the six-time winner has done some TV work. She is also a Grant Thornton ambassador.

Korda, 31, recently showcased her swing on social media.

“Definitely sore,” she said in Naples, Florida. “It’s been a year and some months that I didn’t hit any golf balls at all. It’s tough, my shoulder hurt, my forearm, my wrist, my glute muscles, that I hadn’t guess activated in that way such a long time.”

Sister Nelly won seven times on the LPGA this season and cemented her status as the game’s best. However, at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, she said the highlight of her year has been being an aunt.

Being a mom has been rewarding for Jessica, as well.

“For me, it’s my son’s milestones that get me excited right now,” Jessica Korda said. “It’s a grind, so I feel like the patience is always being tested just like it would be out on the golf course, being a mom. The one thing I don’t do as well is my recovery … I love to sleep and that’s nonexistent.”