Nelly Korda secures inaugural Rolex Player of the Year title
With only three LPGA Tour tournaments left, Nelly Korda has secured her first Rolex Player of the Year title.
In a news release on Monday, Korda expressed her excitement, stating, "Being named the Rolex Player of the Year means the world to me. This season has had its ups and downs, and I am extremely grateful for the support of those around me who have helped me reach this achievement. It has truly been a team effort, and I am proud to share this moment with them."
At 26 years old, Korda has claimed six victories and three top-10 finishes this season, including her second major win at the Chevron Championship.
She follows in the footsteps of Lilia Vu as the second consecutive American to receive this award, a feat that has not been accomplished since Betsy King in 1993 and Beth Daniel in 1994.
Korda's impressive season also included five consecutive wins, a feat only previously achieved by Nancy Lopez in 1978 and Annika Sorenstam in 2004-2005. She also played a key role in helping the U.S. team win the Solheim Cup in September.
Despite Ayaka Furue's efforts to catch Korda by winning the final four events on the schedule, she fell short and finished tied for 10th at the Toto Japan Classic.
Korda will officially receive the Player of the Year award and the ANNIKA Major Award at the Rolex LPGA Awards ceremony on November 20th.