From the Course to the Café: Nelly Korda Cheers on Charley Hull’s New Venture — and Falls in Love with the Croissants

LONDON — They’ve competed side by side on some of golf’s biggest stages, but this time, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull are sharing something a little different — a quiet moment over coffee.

Earlier this week, world No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda paid a surprise visit to Charley Hull’s newly opened café in London, instantly turning the cozy shop into the talk of both the golf and lifestyle worlds. And, as it turns out, Korda couldn’t stop raving about the food — especially the croissants.

“Charley has such great coffee taste,” Nelly said with a grin. “Everything on the menu was delicious — but that croissant? It might just be the best I’ve ever had.”

A Friendship Beyond the Fairways

While fans are used to seeing the two athletes in matching uniforms at international tournaments or fierce rivals on the LPGA Tour, their bond off the course has quietly blossomed over the years.

Nelly and Charley first met as teenagers on the junior golf circuit, where Hull’s confidence and charisma left a lasting impression on Korda. Since then, the pair have become close friends and mutual supporters, often cheering for each other’s achievements online.

“Charley’s one of those people who brings fun wherever she goes,” Korda said. “She’s fearless — on the course and in life. Opening a café is exactly the kind of bold thing she’d do.”

Hull’s new café, Fairway Grounds, opened earlier this month in Surrey, quickly attracting locals with its minimalist design, signature espresso blends, and freshly baked pastries. The name, Hull explained, reflects both her love for golf and her appreciation for life’s slower, grounded moments.

“Golf can be intense,” Hull shared in a recent interview. “But coffee? Coffee brings people together. I wanted a place where you can just sit, breathe, and connect.”

Nelly’s Sweet Surprise Visit

Korda, who was in the UK for a charity golf event, decided to stop by unannounced. Dressed casually in a cream hoodie and jeans, she blended in with customers until Hull spotted her standing near the counter with a mischievous smile.

“I almost dropped a tray,” Hull laughed. “I couldn’t believe she actually came. I had no idea she was in town!”

According to staff, Korda ordered an oat milk latte and a classic butter croissant — a combination Hull later called her “personal favorite.” Within minutes, the two golfers were chatting and laughing like old friends catching up after months apart.

“It wasn’t planned,” Korda said. “I just wanted to support her. She’s always supported me — it’s what friends do.”

The café’s customers, mostly unaware at first of the star power sitting a few tables away, soon realized they were witnessing a wholesome celebrity moment. Phones discreetly came out, and the photos quickly went viral across golf fan communities.

The Taste That Scored a Win

After her visit, Korda couldn’t resist posting a photo of her coffee and croissant on Instagram, captioning it:

“10/10 — Hull’s café is a hole-in-one ☕🥐💛.”

The post racked up thousands of likes and comments within hours, with fans jokingly calling the pairing “the most iconic collab in women’s golf.”

“If Nelly says it’s good,” one user commented, “then it’s officially the gold standard.”

Hull later reposted Korda’s story, adding, “She came, she sipped, she conquered!” followed by laughing emojis and a heart.

But beyond the social media buzz, Korda’s visit highlighted something deeper — a sense of camaraderie and empowerment between two women who have built their careers on talent, perseverance, and authenticity.

“It’s really nice to see women in sports supporting each other,” Hull said. “We compete hard, but at the end of the day, we celebrate each other’s wins — even if it’s in coffee form.”

Inside Charley Hull’s Café Dream

The inspiration for Fairway Grounds came during the off-season, when Hull decided to pursue a long-held dream of opening a small business rooted in community and comfort.

“I’ve always loved the smell of coffee shops — the sound of the machine, the quiet chatter, the calm,” she said. “After so many years traveling for golf, I wanted a place that felt like home.”

Every detail in the café reflects Hull’s personality: sleek yet cozy interiors, a playlist featuring Fleetwood Mac and The 1975, and a simple but refined menu — espresso, matcha, pastries, and sandwiches made from locally sourced ingredients.

The star item, of course, is the butter croissant, baked fresh every morning by a London pastry chef Hull personally handpicked.

“When I first tasted it, I knew that was the one,” Hull said. “It’s flaky, buttery, and just melts in your mouth. When Nelly said she loved it, I thought — okay, that’s my validation right there.”

Two Champions, One Message

Both athletes have been vocal about balancing life beyond the course. While Hull focuses on expanding her café’s community presence, Korda continues to dominate global tournaments — yet both say friendship and self-care are what truly fuel them.

“People see us on TV and think it’s all glamorous,” Korda said. “But there’s a lot of travel, pressure, and exhaustion behind the scenes. Sitting in Charley’s café, just talking over coffee, reminded me what it’s like to slow down and appreciate the moment.”

Hull agreed, adding that the café has given her a new kind of fulfillment.

“I still love golf, but this — this is different,” she said. “Seeing people smile, watching them enjoy something I created — it’s a different kind of win.”

Fans Love the Friendship

Photos from their coffee date have circulated widely, showing the two women laughing, sipping lattes, and even posing with a tray of croissants. Fans online called it “the crossover we didn’t know we needed.”

“This is the kind of friendship the world needs more of,” one fan tweeted. “Supportive, genuine, and full of carbs.”

Sports journalists echoed the sentiment, calling the moment a refreshing reminder that competition doesn’t have to mean rivalry.

“It’s rare to see top athletes genuinely celebrate each other outside of their sport,” said Golf World columnist Emma Lewis. “Korda and Hull’s friendship breaks that stereotype beautifully.”

More Than Coffee

As Nelly prepared to leave, she promised to return — not for publicity, but for another taste.

“Next time, I’m bringing my whole family,” she laughed. “And I’m ordering two croissants — one’s not enough.”

Hull waved her off with a grin and a to-go cup of her favorite roast, calling after her:

“Just remember — first coffee’s free, second one you’ve got to earn on the green!”

The moment captured everything that makes both athletes admired: talent, humility, and heart.

And as fans continue to celebrate their friendship online, one thing is clear — whether on the course or over coffee, Nelly Korda and Charley Hull are proving that success tastes even sweeter when shared.