The Rolex Player of the Year award is a prestigious honor in the world of professional women’s golf. While the PGA Tour uses a vote to determine its Player of the Year, the LPGA has always favored a points system for this award. Introduced in 1966, the Rolex Player of the Year award has a long and storied history, with many legendary players earning this accolade over the years. Players must finish in the top 10 of official LPGA events to earn points, with double points awarded at major championships.
One of the early dominators of the Rolex Player of the Year award was Kathy Whitworth, who won the award an impressive seven times in the first eight years of its existence. Whitworth’s dominance set the stage for other greats to follow, such as Annika Sorenstam, who claimed the award eight times from 1995 to 2005. In 2024, Nelly Korda joined the list of illustrious winners by capturing the Rolex Player of the Year award for the first time in her career.
The list of Rolex Player of the Year winners is a who’s who of women’s golf, with names like Nancy Lopez, Annika Sorenstam, and Lorena Ochoa gracing the prestigious trophy. Each year, the winner of the award is recognized for their exceptional performance throughout the LPGA season, with the points system serving as a barometer for consistency and success on the tour. From Beth Daniel to Yani Tseng, the list of winners is a testament to the talent and skill of the players who have left their mark on the LPGA.
The Rolex Player of the Year award is not just a reflection of individual achievement, but also a testament to the competitive nature of women’s professional golf. The fierce competition on the LPGA tour pushes players to perform at their best, week in and week out, in pursuit of this coveted award. With the points system in place, every event on the schedule carries weight and significance, as players vie for the top spot in the standings and the chance to etch their name in history as a Rolex Player of the Year winner.
As the LPGA continues to evolve and grow, the Rolex Player of the Year award remains a symbol of excellence and dedication in women’s golf. Whether it’s a veteran like Kathy Whitworth or a rising star like Nelly Korda, each winner of this prestigious award has proven themselves to be among the best in the world. The legacy of the Rolex Player of the Year award continues to inspire future generations of players to strive for greatness and leave their own indelible mark on the history of the LPGA tour.
