Nelly Korda, the 26-year-old American professional golfer, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Rolex Player of the Year Award, capping a remarkable season on the LPGA Tour.
Korda’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring seven tournament victories, including her second career major at the Chevron Championship. She began the year triumphantly by winning the LPGA Drive On Championship in her hometown of Bradenton, Florida. Trailing by three strokes with two holes remaining, Korda showcased her resilience by finishing eagle-birdie to force a playoff with Lydia Ko, ultimately securing the win on the second extra hole.
Her momentum continued with consecutive victories at the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship, the Ford Championship, and the T-Mobile Match Play. This impressive streak made her the first player since Lorena Ochoa in 2008 to win four consecutive LPGA events. Korda’s fifth straight win came at the Chevron Championship, where she joined the elite company of Annika Sörenstam and Nancy Lopez as the only players to achieve five consecutive LPGA victories.
In May, Korda added the Mizuho Americas Open to her list of triumphs, marking her sixth win in seven starts. She concluded her season with a victory at The Annika in November, bringing her total to seven LPGA titles for the year.
Korda’s exceptional performance throughout the season not only earned her the Rolex Player of the Year Award but also the Rolex Annika Major Award, which recognizes the player with the best overall performance in the season’s major championships.
Reflecting on her achievements, Korda expressed gratitude towards her support team, stating, “It’s been crazy, it’s been such a fun year, full of ups and downs, but I am so, so grateful for my team… It’s been an amazing year and I’m so grateful to be doing what I love.”
Korda’s accolades contribute to a resurgence of American dominance in women’s golf, with U.S. players winning the Player of the Year award in consecutive years for the first time since 1993 and 1994.
Beyond her on-course achievements, Korda’s influence extends into popular culture. She is set to be featured in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, alongside other prominent athletes, highlighting her role as a leading figure in women’s sports.
Korda’s 2024 season stands as a testament to her skill, determination, and impact on the sport, solidifying her status as one of the premier athletes in women’s golf.
