Jessica Korda expects to 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 number one Nelly Korda, Jessica last played on tour in May 2023. She took time off due to a back injury and later announced her pregnancy.
Korda gave birth to her first child, son Greyson, on February 3.
“I’m definitely itching to play again, how much, I’m not so sure,” Korda said. “I’ll take 2025 for consideration and then according to our parentage, 2026 is exactly what we’re going for.”
The LPGA’s maternity policy allows mothers up to two years from their child’s birth date before returning.
Although the six-time champion has not played on the LPGA in 18 months, she has done some work on television. She is also an ambassador for Grant Thornton.
Korda, 31, recently showed off her swing on social media.
“It definitely hurts,” she said in Naples, Florida. “It’s been a year and a few months since I hit a golf ball.” It’s hard, my shoulder, forearm, wrist, and gluteal muscles hurt, which I didn’t think would activate like this for so long.”
Sister Nelly has won seven times on the LPGA this season, cementing her status as the best in the game. But she said at the recently concluded CME Group Tour Championship that her aunt was the highlight of her year.
Being a mom was also rewarding for Jessica.
“For me, it’s my son’s milestones that excite me right now,” Jessica Korda said. “It’s hard work, so I feel that patience is always tested as it would be on the golf course, being a mom. The only thing I’m not doing so well is my recovery… I love sleep and that doesn’t exist.’