In 2023, Nelly Korda returned from injuries to win the Aramco Team Series title, and in the process, reclaimed her No. 1 ranking. Having skipped a few LPGA events due to back injuries, this was a welcome return to the top after what was a 10-week break. Once back home, she decided to unwind on the massage table, only for her cat Rafi to stare up at Nelly, peeped down from the face cradle. No. 1 or no, Korda came back home to the same familiar face for 15 long years ever since she was an 11-year-old logging her first hole-in-one. Korda would often say, “My pets are my peace, but golf is my job.” That quiet comfort of coming home, of Rafi, has been a constant through her life, stretching back to her early teens.
One of the earliest core memories of Nelly’s life, when ‘Nelly things’ was not even a family concept (maybe?) was Christmas of 2014. Nelly must not have been older than 15. Stacked away in her IG profile, even today, is a photograph of a Polaroid film. Cuddled up in it are siblings Jessica, Nelly, and Sebastian, posing in front of a decorated Christmas tree with the cat almost lost in the darkness in the background, thanks to poor lighting. But the most special frames are always the poor quality, hazy, blurry ones, aren’t they? Nelly’s caption read, “Kitty looking real happy.” This blend of nostalgia and balance has seamlessly carried over into her career.
Last year, when she won the Mizuho Americas Open, Nelly, in her victory speech, would mention that she loves striking a balance between what Roger Federer and Nadal brought to the court,“The blend of the two I hope I have… the grace that Federer has and the fight Nadal has.” Her brother Sebastian has purred all over Nadal by once naming his cat he grew up with “Rafa,” and when Nelly took the cat in her care, Rafa became Rafi.
Rafi had been a part of Korda’s life for over 15 years, accompanying her through the highs and lows of her golfing career. But on April 29, 2025, she took to Instagram to announce the sad news of Rafi’s passing and paid a heartfelt tribute. Korda posted a series of Instagram stories to pay tribute to her furry friend. She shared some pictures of Rafi and her being together with the caption, “15 years of amazing memories, you left the world with a big piece of my heart, RIP Rafi.” Nelly’s sister, Jessica, also shared a post of Rafi with another deceased furry friend, writing, “In heaven together 🥹 💔❤️🩹 “
Nelly’s other stories had pictures and videos of Rafi, from kittenhood to old age, curled up in her lap, sleeping with her, and inquisitively looking through her camera while being clicked. One story had a picture of Korda holding Rafi on top of her head.
In the caption of that photo, she wrote, “You made me a crazy cat lady….Now I am just a crazy lady.” In another slide, Korda posted a video of playing with Rafi as she added, “Sending lots and lots of belly rubs to heaven.” Rafi did have a great impact on Korda’s life as she posted a video with the description, “I hope everyone experiences an unconditional, cuddly love like this in their lifetime.”
Alongside Korda, Rafi had witnessed her ascent to the top of the global rankings, her Olympic gold medal, and numerous other significant life events. He served as her home away from the course, her source of peace, and her silent ally. Korda has frequently talked about how her pets help her stay grounded and provide stability in the hectic world of professional golf.
Rafi’s heartbreaking passing came on the heels of a challenging week for Nelly Korda. The star golfer, entering the Chevron Championship as the defending champion, struggled to find her rhythm and ultimately finished tied for 14th with a total score of 2-under.
Korda is still searching for her first win of the year. She finished as the runner-up at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in February.
Meanwhile, just a month earlier, fellow golf personality Paige Spiranac faced a similarly heart-wrenching goodbye to her loyal dog, Niko.
Paig Spiranac bids painful goodbye to Niko
Only a few weeks prior, Paige Spiranac had announced the tragic news of the death of her rescue dog, Niko. She said, “I loved you for your whole life, and I’ll miss you for the rest of mine❤️🐾” in a touching message on X (previously Twitter). A heartwarming video montage of Niko from his puppyhood to his last moments was shown alongside the message, emphasizing their unshakable love.
Niko was adopted by Spiranac in 2017, and he soon became a mainstay in her life. Niko was more than just a pet; he was her “soul dog,” whether he was interfering with her golf game or just relaxing close by. “I’ve never dealt with loss before, and for it to be my best buddy Niko has been really challenging,” she admitted in an emotional YouTube video.