Nelly Korda has found love beyond the golf course. The top-ranked LPGA golfer has been in a relationship with Chicago Blackhawks center Andreas Athanasiou since 2019.
Despite their preference for privacy, the couple has shared occasional glimpses into their relationship over the years.
“It’s pretty fun, it’s nerve-wracking,” Athanasiou, a Canadian-born hockey player, told TSN about his feelings while watching Korda compete in the 2022 Canadian Women’s Open.
He continued, “I don’t really like watching, I get pretty nervous behind the shot.”
Here’s a comprehensive look at Nelly Korda and Andreas Athanasiou’s relationship:
Though it’s unclear exactly when Korda and Athanasiou started dating, they were first publicly associated in 2019. The pair made their relationship known through a now-deleted Instagram selfie posted on Thanksgiving Day.
In July 2022, Athanasiou signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The following month, during the Canadian Women’s Open, Korda showed support for Athanasiou’s new team.
At the 17th hole, a video posted on LPGA’s Twitter (now known as X) showed Korda smiling and wearing a Blackhawks jersey as she walked on the green, while the announcers discussed Athanasiou’s career.
The Blackhawks responded to the video with, “Things you love to see.”
Korda and Athanasiou have maintained a low profile about their romance since their public debut in 2019.
They have not attended red carpet events together and rarely post about each other on social media.
Athanasiou’s Instagram account is private and contains no posts, while Korda mainly shares content related to golf.
Athanasiou has been present at Korda’s tournaments, including her victory at the Meijer LPGA Classic at Blythefield Country Club in June 2021. They were photographed together with Korda’s trophy, sharing a kiss and embracing after her win.
“It’s fun to be a part of. She played so well,” Athanasiou said to reporters after Korda’s win, which was his first time attending one of her tournaments.
“It’s exciting; watching is totally different from playing. I have so much anxiety out there, every shot I’m so worried. Being in the moment is so much easier. But she played so well. I’m so happy for her.”
He added, “It’s so nerve-wracking being on the sidelines. I can only imagine what mom and dad are saying when they watch. I’m happy to be a part of it, I’m happy to be here and see the win, the first one I get to be a part of. I’m sure there will be many more, and I’m excited for her.”
“She’s so good. She held it together despite some swing changes, and I was happy to be part of it. Grand Rapids has been cool; I played here a bit,” Athanasiou said, referring to his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL.
“The fans are awesome, and they were so happy for her. I was happy to be a part of it with them.”
While supporting Korda at the 2022 Canadian Women’s Open, Athanasiou confirmed that he does play golf with his girlfriend. However, he did not mention if she has ever tried hockey.
“I can take her maybe on a 9,” Athanasiou said when asked by TSN if he’s ever come close to beating the Olympian in golf. “[I’ve] come pretty close, but by 18 I think I’d blow up too many times to even come close.”
