In a truly bizarre turn of events at the 2025 Evian Championship, Nelly Korda’s ball was once again picked up by a fan during play, mirroring an almost identical incident that occurred at the same tournament just three years prior in 2022.
The incident, which has been widely reported and circulated on social media, saw a fan inexplicably retrieve Korda’s ball from where it had come to rest. This is a clear breach of golf etiquette and rules, as a ball in play should only be touched by the player or an official under specific circumstances.
According to the Rules of Golf, if a player’s ball is moved by an outside influence (including a spectator), there is no penalty to the player, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot. While Korda did not incur a penalty, such interference can be incredibly disruptive and frustrating for a professional golfer in the middle of a major championship.
The repeated nature of this incident at the Evian Championship, specifically involving Nelly Korda, has certainly added a peculiar chapter to the tournament’s history and highlights the ongoing challenge of spectator awareness regarding golf rules and etiquette.
