Nelly Korda joins exclusive 3-member club ft. Annika Sorenstam by winning the Player of the Year title
World No. 1 Nelly Korda has etched her name in LPGA history by becoming just the third golfer to achieve the remarkable feat of securing 6+ wins in a single season, a Solheim Cup victory, and the coveted Player of the Year award. She has joined an elusive club which includes legendary figures Beth Daniel and Annika Sorenstam.
Korda won six titles this year, five of which were consecutive. She also picked up her second Major title at the Chevron Championship in Texas and also placed T2 at the AIG Women's Open. The 26-year-old was also a part of the winning US team at the 2024 Solheim Cup. Moreoever, she was named the LPGA Player of the Year for the first time in her career.
Korda is now a point closer to entering the LPGA Hall of Fame. She currently holds 18 of the 27 required points to become a Hall of Famer.
Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu become the second US pair to win the LPGA Player of the Year in consecutive years
US golfers Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu became the second US pair to win the LPGA Player of the Year award in consecutive years after Betsy King and Beth Daniel. King and Daniel won their awards in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Vu was the 2023 awardee.
The LPGA Tour, unlike the PGA Tour, awards its Player of the Year based on points accumulated throughout the season rather than votes. Despite missing the Asian leg of the LPGA Tour due to a neck injury, Nelly Korda's exceptional performances this season earned her more than enough points to secure the prestigious title.
She was way ahead of her closest competitor, the 2022 awardee Lydia Ko. After the conclusion of the TOTO Japan Classic, it was mathematically impossible for anyone else to catch up with Korda. She spoke about the rollercoaster year she had via a press release :
"Winning the Rolex Player of the Year means so much to me. This season has had its highs and challenges, and I’m just really grateful for the people around me who have helped me get here. It’s been a team effort, and I’m proud to share this moment with them."
Korda will next be seen at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge and the CME Group Tour Championship in November. Outside of the regular competitive schedule, the two-time Major champion will be seen in action at the PNC Championship with her father, Petr Korda, in December.