In a stunning development that has reverberated across the global golf community, Saudi oil billionaire Sheikh Khalid has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Nelly Korda, the reigning queen of women’s golf.

The announcement, accompanied by the poignant declaration “IF THE WHOLE WORLD TURNS ITS BACK ON YOU, SAUDI ARABIA WILL NEVER DO SO,” underscores the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to elevating women’s sports on the international stage.

This massive $2.55 billion deal with Nelly Korda not only promises to reshape her career trajectory but also signals Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push into the world of professional golf, particularly in the women’s game.

Nelly Korda, the American superstar who has dominated the LPGA Tour with her precision, power, and poise, stands at the center of this historic agreement.

At just 27 years old, Korda has already etched her name into golf lore with 15 LPGA victories, two major championships—including the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship and the 2024 Chevron Championship—and an Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Her remarkable 2024 season, where she tied a record with five consecutive wins and claimed seven titles overall, solidified her status as the world’s top-ranked female golfer for extended periods.

Yet, despite her unparalleled success, Korda has navigated the highs and lows of professional sports, including injury setbacks and intense scrutiny. This partnership with Sheikh Khalid appears to offer her unparalleled support, both financially and infrastructurally, at a pivotal moment in her career.

The deal itself is staggering in scope. Valued at $2.55 billion, it dwarfs typical endorsement contracts in women’s golf and positions Korda as one of the most lucratively backed athletes in any sport.

Sources close to the negotiations describe it as a long-term commitment that includes performance bonuses, branding rights, and exclusive opportunities tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiatives, which aim to diversify the economy beyond oil through massive investments in sports and entertainment.

Sheikh Khalid, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia’s oil sector with deep ties to the royal family and vast personal wealth, has long been rumored to have interests in global sports ventures.

His involvement here marks a bold entry into golf, following the Kingdom’s high-profile investments in men’s golf through LIV Golf and partnerships with the PGA Tour.

One of the most ambitious elements of the agreement is the planned construction of an international-standard 18-hole golf course named after Nelly Korda.

This state-of-the-art facility, envisioned as a premier destination in the Middle East, will feature cutting-edge design elements tailored to championship play, including sustainable irrigation systems suited to the region’s climate and luxury amenities to attract global tournaments.

The Nelly Korda Signature Course is expected to host LPGA events, amateur competitions, and youth academies focused on growing women’s golf in the region. Experts predict it could rival iconic venues like Augusta National or St.

Andrews in prestige, serving as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to empowering female athletes. Construction is slated to begin in the coming months, with an opening targeted for 2028, coinciding with potential bids for major international events.

The announcement ceremony, held in a lavish Riyadh venue, was charged with emotion. As Sheikh Khalid detailed the deal’s components on stage, Nelly Korda stepped up to the awards podium to accept a symbolic plaque commemorating the partnership.

Visibly moved, Korda’s eyes welled with tears as she reflected on her journey—from a young prodigy in a family of athletes (her father Petr won the 1998 Australian Open in tennis, sister Jessica is an LPGA pro, and brother Sebastian excels in tennis) to a global icon facing the pressures of sustained excellence.

The room, filled with golf officials, sponsors, and media from around the world, fell into a profound silence.

Many attendees were brought to tears by the raw vulnerability displayed by Korda, who thanked Sheikh Khalid and Saudi Arabia for their faith in her during a time when the sport’s landscape is evolving rapidly.

This partnership arrives amid broader discussions about Saudi Arabia’s role in golf. The Kingdom has already made significant inroads through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), backing events like the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour, where Korda herself has competed and won multiple times.

Stars such as Lydia Ko, Charley Hull, and Lexi Thompson have participated in these tournaments, contributing to growing purses and visibility for women’s golf. However, these investments have not been without controversy, with critics pointing to human rights concerns and accusations of sportswashing.

Proponents argue that such funding is vital for elevating women’s sports, providing opportunities that traditional tours sometimes struggle to match.

For Nelly Korda, this deal represents more than financial security; it’s a platform to expand her influence. Already a role model for young girls in golf, Korda has used her platform for philanthropy, partnering with organizations like St.

Jude Children’s Research Hospital and supporting hurricane relief efforts in her home state of Florida. The new course bearing her name will include programs aimed at junior golfers, particularly females, fostering the next generation in underrepresented regions.

Korda has expressed excitement about mentoring aspiring players and promoting inclusivity in a sport historically dominated by certain demographics.

Industry analysts predict ripple effects across women’s golf. With purses on the LPGA Tour already rising—thanks in part to existing Saudi-backed events—this $2.55 billion infusion could accelerate growth, attracting more talent and sponsorships.

Comparisons are inevitably drawn to men’s golf, where Saudi investments via LIV Golf disrupted the status quo, leading to record contracts for players like Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.

While the LPGA has maintained a more unified front, this direct partnership with Korda could inspire similar deals for other top players, potentially creating a new era of superstar endorsements.

Reactions poured in swiftly from the golf world. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised the move as a “game-changer for women’s golf,” emphasizing the potential for global expansion.

Fellow players, including close friend Jessica Korda, congratulated Nelly on social media, with Jessica posting, “So proud of my sis—dream big!” Critics, however, voiced caution, urging transparency in how funds align with the sport’s values. Human rights organizations renewed calls for athletes to consider the broader implications of such alliances.

Sheikh Khalid, in his remarks, reiterated the quote that opened the announcement: “IF THE WHOLE WORLD TURNS ITS BACK ON YOU, SAUDI ARABIA WILL NEVER DO SO.” He framed the deal as a testament to the Kingdom’s support for trailblazers like Korda, who have overcome adversity to shine on the world stage.

For Korda, who has battled injuries and the mental toll of elite competition, the words resonated deeply.

As the golf world digests this monumental news, one thing is clear: Nelly Korda’s legacy is poised to extend far beyond her on-course achievements. With a billion-dollar backing and a namesake course on the horizon, she is not just playing the game—she’s helping redefine it.

The emotional podium moment, where silence spoke volumes and tears flowed freely, will be remembered as the instant when women’s golf took a seismic leap forward, courtesy of an unlikely but powerful alliance between an American champion and Saudi visionaries.

This partnership could inspire a surge in participation among women and girls worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, where golf is gaining traction. Facilities like the planned Nelly Korda course will offer world-class training, potentially producing future stars.

Korda’s involvement ensures authenticity; her input on design and programming will reflect her expertise as a multiple major winner.

Financially, the $2.55 billion figure includes multi-year commitments, equity stakes in related ventures, and revenue shares from events hosted at the new course. It’s a holistic package designed to secure Korda’s future while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s goals of hosting major sporting spectacles.

Rumors suggest potential LPGA events rotating to the venue, boosting prize money and exposure.

Nelly Korda’s emotional response highlighted the human side of professional sports. In a career marked by triumphs—like her Olympic gold, where she edged out competitors in a thrilling playoff—and challenges, such as a 2022 blood clot that sidelined her for months, this deal feels like validation.

Her tears on the podium moved not just the audience but millions watching live streams, reminding everyone of the passion driving these athletes.

In conclusion, the $2.55 billion Nelly Korda Saudi Arabia deal, complete with a signature golf course and heartfelt endorsements, marks a watershed moment. It bridges continents, empowers a superstar, and promises to grow women’s golf exponentially.

As Korda embarks on this new chapter, backed by Sheikh Khalid’s bold vision, the sport stands on the cusp of transformation. The world of golf may never be the same.