These Behind the Scenes Frames Prove Nelly Korda Is a Natural Swimsuit Model

You would never guess that Korda considered the shoot a “challenge” to tackle.

Nelly Korda was photographed by Ben Horton at The Boca Raton. / Ben Horton/Sports Illustrated

Professional golfer Nelly Korda made her debut in SI Swimsuit for the 2025 issue, released in May, but we’re still pulling so much inspo from the collection of suits she wore in Boca Raton, Fla. The 27-year-old athlete, who is native to the Sunshine State, admitted that she “stepped out of [her] comfort zone” for the opportunity, but you’d never be able to tell from the photos.

Now, months later, we’re releasing more behind the scenes looks at Korda’s shoot day, where she captured beachside glamour perfectly. Rocking bold colors and unique designs, it’s no wonder we keep coming back to this particular shoot.

Embracing this unexpected swimsuit trend

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Indah. / SI Staff

Taking part in an unexpected swimsuit style—one we highlighted as a 2025 trend in this year’s magazine—Korda rocked a long-sleeved bikini in olive green from Indah, proving she looks great in absolutely any color. It might’ve been hot under the Floridian sun, but the athlete totally pulled off the sleeves.

Nelly Korda on set for her SI Swimsuit debut in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Indah. / SI Staff

Getting the perfect shot is an unmatched feeling, something Korda now knows all too well. From posing on the beach and in the water to on a boat, she got the full Boca Raton experience during her shoot day, which took place last November.

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Indah. / SI Staff

Mismatching pieces

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Top by Andres Otalora. Swimsuit by St. Agni. / SI Staff

Korda delivered expert poses, gorgeous smolders and sweet smiles while on set, this time wearing a unique red and white strapless crop top from Andres Otalora with fun swirl designs, paired with classic ivory bikini bottoms from St. Agni.

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Top by Andres Otalora. Swimsuit by St. Agni. / SI Staff

One-shoulder never looked so good

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by LaQuan Smith. / SI Staff

A classic black swimsuit will never go out of style, but this one from LaQuan Smith is anything but basic. Korda delivered major Bond girl vibes on the beach for her SI Swimsuit debut, rocking this one-shoulder, high-cut one-piece, which also featured a long-sleeve.

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by LaQuan Smith. / SI Staff

With her blonde hair blowing in the ocean breeze, Korda owned the shoot, making it all the more surprising that this isn’t the norm for the athlete, who is currently ranked the No. 2 female golfer in the world.

“It was such an exciting shoot,” Korda shared on location when wrapping the shoot. “I stepped out of my comfort zone. I think that’s what the shoot’s about. I think that’s what life is about, also, is sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone and challenging yourself.”

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by LaQuan Smith. / SI Staff

Despite her shoot being a “challenge” for Korda, she absolutely rocked it and had such a positive attitude throughout the day, ultimately calling the opportunity to be featured in the magazine “a dream.”

“I had such a great crew to work with and work alongside. It was just so much fun. When people look at these photos, I hope it inspires them to rock what they got,” she added on set.

More BTS photos

Check out more behind the scenes pics from Korda’s SI Swimsuit debut below.

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Yasmine Eslami. / SI Staff

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Yasmine Eslami. / SI Staff

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Yasmine Eslami. / SI Staff

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Agua Bendita. / SI Staff

Nelly Korda was photographed in Boca Raton, Fla. Swimsuit by Vitamin A. / SI Staff

Nelly Korda and the SI Swimsuit team in Boca Raton, Fla. / SI Staff

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