Nelly Korda Calls Out Missed Opportunity As Women’s Virtual Golf League Launches Without Men

World number two Nelly Korda has delivered a powerful and thought-provoking verdict on the newly announced women’s indoor virtual golf league, describing the absence of a mixed-gender format as an “unbelievable miss.”

The women’s competition, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, will take place at the same Florida-based SoFi Center that currently hosts the men’s TGL, now midway through its second season. While the development marks a major step forward for women’s golf, Korda believes the sport stopped short of something truly revolutionary.

“It Would Have Changed The Game”

Speaking candidly, Korda revealed she was surprised that more players had not publicly voiced similar concerns.

According to the American star, combining men and women in the same league would have sent a powerful message and accelerated the growth of the sport globally.

She emphasized that a mixed competition would have been unprecedented — men and women competing on the same platform, under the same conditions, and potentially for equal prize money.

In her view, that moment could have redefined how professional golf is perceived, much like mixed events have done in sports such as tennis and athletics exhibitions.

Mixed Feelings, Not Mixed Events

Despite her criticism, Korda was careful to acknowledge the positive side of the announcement. The creation of a women’s virtual league still represents progress, visibility, and investment in the women’s game.

Her stance reflects a broader reality in modern sport — celebrating progress while still pushing for bolder ideas that truly challenge tradition.

Inside The Virtual Golf Experience

The league will mirror the men’s TGL format, featuring teams competing in fast-paced matchplay. Players will hit shots into a massive five-storey simulator screen before transitioning to a dynamic short-game area complete with bunkers and a rotating green capable of creating multiple hole layouts.

The format has already proven popular with fans, blending elite golf with entertainment, technology, and player personality.

Could Mixed Golf Still Happen?

TGL founder Mike McCarley, who launched the league alongside Woods and McIlroy, confirmed that a mixed-gender concept has been discussed internally.

However, the immediate focus remains on establishing a strong foundation for both the men’s and women’s leagues before expanding further.

That door, importantly, remains open.

Who’s In And What’s Next?

Korda herself has not yet committed to the women’s competition, citing concerns over the time commitment required. However, several top names are already confirmed, including:

• World number one Jeeno Thitikul

• England’s Charley Hull

• Rising British star Lottie Woad

While details such as the prize pot and exact start date are yet to be confirmed, the women’s league is scheduled for winter 2026–27.

A Conversation That Matters

Whether or not mixed-gender virtual golf becomes reality, Korda’s comments have reignited an important conversation about equality, innovation, and courage in sport.

Sometimes progress is not just about creating new platforms — it’s about daring to rethink the rules entirely.

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