Nelly Korda Dominates LPGA Awards, Winning Two Prestigious Honors

Nelly Korda concluded her most successful season by claiming the top two accolades on Wednesday at the Rolex LPGA Awards in Naples, Florida.

The 26-year-old Florida native was presented with the Rolex Player of the Year Award and the Rolex Annika Major Award, which is bestowed upon the major champion with the best overall performance in the season's five major events.

Korda achieved seven victories in 2024, including the Chevron Championship where she secured her second major title.

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"It has been an incredible journey, filled with highs and lows, but I am immensely grateful for my team who are here with me today," Korda expressed. "It has been an unforgettable year and I am blessed to be able to do what I love."

At the start of the year, Korda had six LPGA tournament wins under her belt. However, she added triumphs at the LPGA Drive On Championship, the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship, the Ford Championship, the T-Mobile Match Play, the Mizuho Americas Open, and The Annika, in addition to the Chevron Championship.

She missed the cut at both the U.S. Women's Open and the Women's PGA Championship, but bounced back with a 26th place finish at the Evian Championship and a tie for second at the Women's British Open.

Following Lilia Vu's Player of the Year win in 2023, American golfers have now claimed the honor in consecutive years for the first time since Betsy King and Beth Daniel did so in 1993 and 1994, respectively.

New Zealand's Lydia Ko was presented with the Heather Farr Perseverance Award, recognizing her "hard work, dedication, and love for the game of golf." At just 27 years old, Ko became the youngest player to achieve Hall of Fame status under the current format after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Ko's three official victories this year included a major, the Women's British Open.

"2024 has been like a fairytale, that's the only word for it, a fairytale," Ko gushed. "It's hard to believe, even now when I look back at some of the highlights. I still get goosebumps."

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Ally Ewing was honored with the Founders Award, recognizing the player who best embodies the spirit, ideals, and values of the LPGA through their actions and deeds.

Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, and Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, were presented with the Commissioners Award. This prestigious award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made a unique contribution to the LPGA and its members, furthering the cause of women's golf, and exemplifying the highest standards of character and integrity.

Gale Peterson, a teaching professional at Sea Island Golf Performance Center in St. Simons, Georgia, was the recipient of the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award.

First-time LPGA tournament winners Bailey Tardy, Linnea Strom, and Lauren Coughlin were also recognized for their achievements.