Nelly Korda’s impressive performance at the 2024 AIG Women’s Open not only earned her a T-2 finish, but also secured her victory in the prestigious 2024 Rolex ANNIKA Major Award. This award, established in 2014, recognizes the player with the most outstanding record in all five major championships during the LPGA season. Korda, who is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in the world, claimed her second career major championship victory earlier in the season at the 2024 Chevron Championship, following her win at the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
With this win, Korda continued a historic start to her 2024 season by securing her fifth straight victory. This accomplishment tied the record held by LPGA Hall of Famers Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez for most wins in consecutive starts. The 26-year-old Korda is now the third American to win the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, following in the footsteps of Michelle Wie West and Lilia Vu. This season, Korda faced tough competition from players like Amy Yang, Ayaka Furue, Yuka Saso, and Lydia Ko, who were also eligible for the award by finishing in the top 10 at the major championships.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the award was not given out in 2020. However, the tradition was reinstated in 2021, with Patty Tavatanakit and Minjee Lee emerging as the respective winners. Korda now joins an illustrious list of past winners, including Inbee Park, Lydia Ko, and Jin Young Ko, who have all made significant contributions to the world of women’s golf. The Rolex ANNIKA Major Award will be presented to Korda at the Rolex LPGA Awards ceremony during the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in November.
As the 10th different winner of the award since its inception, Korda’s victory solidifies her status as one of the top players in women’s golf. Her success at major championships, combined with her consistent performance throughout the season, sets her apart as a force to be reckoned with on the LPGA tour. With an impressive resume and a bright future ahead, Korda’s win in the 2024 Rolex ANNIKA Major Award is a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport.
