Nelly Korda Concludes Stellar Season with Seven Victories and LPGA Player of the Year Title
Nelly Korda has officially completed an extraordinary season, finishing with an impressive tally of seven victories including five consecutive wins early in 2024. Her remarkable performance has earned her the prestigious LPGA Player of the Year title with three tournaments still to be played. Korda not only played a pivotal role in securing the U.S. Solheim Cup team’s success but also claimed her second major championship.
At just 26 years old, Korda has now positioned herself within the top 20 for career earnings, raking in nearly $4.4 million this year alone, which highlights her status as a formidable force in the sport.
A highlight beyond the fairways was Korda’s feature in the Sports Illustrated 2025 Swimsuit edition and a pro-am collaboration with basketball sensation Caitlin Clark. Yet, when reflecting upon her favourite moments of the year.
She placed her family above all else.
“Becoming an aunt to little Greyson would be my favourite, obviously off the golf course,” she shared. Greyson, the nine-month-old son of her sister Jessica and brother-in-law Johnny DelPrete, is a source of joy for Korda, who has been mentoring the latest addition to the Korda dynasty.
Jessica, a six-time LPGA Tour champion herself, acknowledged that discussions at their dinner table often reflect their family’s sporting prowess, especially with their father Petr, a former world No. 2 tennis player, and brother Sebastian, currently ranked No. 23 in the ATP rankings.
Praising her sister’s outstanding season, Jessica couldn’t find a better term than “insane.” “It’s insane, it’s not normal,” she expressed while eagerly following Nelly during her final round at the CME Group Tour Championship held at Tiburon. “It’s stupid. It’s insanity… especially to pull off five wins in a row, four consecutively. The mental and physical stamina required is just unbelievable.
To maintain such a high level and secure victories—truly incredible!”
Although Korda narrowly missed her eighth title this year, finishing with a total score of 15-under 273 after a final round 66, it does not lessen the impact of a season etched in LPGA history.
The extraordinary run of success ignited during the season’s second event, where she captured five straight trophies from the LPGA Drive On Championship to her first major, the Chevron Championship. After a minor setback, she added another title at the Mizuho Americas Open, concluding with six victories in just seven starts and an astounding 75-under par.
“It’s been a crazy year,” Korda remarked. “I’m thankful for every moment, from the highs to the lows. I feel privileged to partake in the sport I love, hoping to inspire future generations along the way.”
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Korda’s seventh win at The Annika, just outside her hometown of Bradenton, came after a neck injury sidelined her for about two months, keeping her from partaking in the LPGA’s fall Asia swing. Additionally, she faced a challenging patch when she missed the cut in three consecutive tournaments and even had an unfortunate encounter involving a dog bite at a Seattle café.
Despite these hurdles, her stellar season shines bright.
At the CME, Korda showcased determination with a bogey-free 66 on the second day, subsequently landing herself in the top 10. A repeat performance on Sunday did not secure victory against Jeeno Thitikul, who took home a staggering $4 million first-place prize while setting the LPGA record for total prize money, wrapping up just shy of $6.1 million.
Finishing the season ranked No. 2 in terms of prize money—a remarkable feat in LPGA history—Korda expressed genuine satisfaction with her play this week despite not performing at her peak. “I would be lying if I claimed I had my A-game or B-game this week,” she confessed. “But I’m pleased with how I persevered, seizing my opportunities, and playing it safe when necessary.”
Looking forward, Korda remains resilient and ambitious.
With plenty of records still within reach, all she needs is to steer clear of injuries and unexpected coffee shop incidents.
“I love improving my game,” she concluded. “The thrill of golf and the drive to excel keep me motivated—it’s all about that trophy in the end. That’s what inspires me every week!”
