Jessica Korda is back: After a two-and-a-half-year break, she returns to competition this December at the Grant Thornton Invitational.
Jessica Korda hasn’t been seen on the fairways for quite some time, but now it’s official: the six-time LPGA Tour winner will make her return in December at the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida. Much has changed during her time away—most notably, she became a mother with the birth of her son Grayson in 2024. Thanks to the LPGA Tour’s maternity leave policy, which allows players up to 24 months to return after childbirth, Korda is now ready to compete again.
Korda teams up with Bud Cauley for return
For her comeback, Korda chose a format that emphasizes teamwork over solo pressure. She will partner with Bud Cauley of the PGA Tour to form one of 16 mixed teams at the Grant Thornton Invitational. The event, held from December 12–14 at Tiburón Golf Club, features three formats over three days: scramble, modified four-ball, and alternate shot. With $4 million in prize money on the line, Korda brings her six LPGA titles and Solheim Cup experience from 2013, 2019, and 2021 to the tournament.
Family affair on the fairway
Korda’s early return comes as a surprise. As recently as late 2023, she had stated that 2026 was her realistic comeback goal, with 2025 intended as a transitional year. After giving birth in the spring, she spoke openly about the physical challenges of swinging a club again—her shoulder, forearm, and hip all protested after more than a year off. Her decision to return to competition so soon is all the more impressive. Also in the field is her sister, Nelly Korda, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, who will team up with Denny McCarthy. While Jessica was on maternity leave, Nelly captured seven LPGA titles, including a major at the 2024 Chevron Championship. Now, the sisters will share a tournament again—albeit on opposing teams.