Nelly Korda wins 2024 Annika Award after finishing T2 at AIG Women’s Open

Nelly Korda’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by numerous victories and accolades that have solidified her position as one of the premier golfers in the world. Adding to her growing list of achievements, Korda recently secured the prestigious Rolex Annika Major Award (RAMA), a testament to her dominance in the most challenging events on the LPGA Tour.

This accolade, awarded to the player with the most outstanding record across the five major championships, is a significant milestone in Korda’s already illustrious career.

The Annika Award is yet another feather in Nelly Korda’s cap, as she continues to set new benchmarks in women’s golf. The 26-year-old American golfer, already a two-time major champion, has consistently performed at the highest level throughout the season, culminating in this well-deserved recognition.

Nelly Korda’s Triumph at the Annika Award

After a remarkable year, Nelly Korda was crowned the winner of the 2024 Rolex Annika Major Award (RAMA), a fitting culmination to her exceptional performances in the LPGA Tour’s five major championships. The award, presented annually since 2014, is named after legendary golfer Annika Sörenstam and honors the player who showcases the most outstanding record across the season’s majors.

Nelly Korda becomes only the third American to claim this prestigious award, joining the ranks of Michelle Wie West, who won the inaugural award, and Lilia Vu, last year’s recipient.

Korda’s path to this accolade was nothing short of impressive. Her T-2 finish at the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, under challenging weather conditions, was the final push that secured her the top spot in the RAMA standings. This result added to her already stellar season, which includes a win at the Chevron Championship, her second career major title, and a total of six victories in 2024 alone.

In her own words, Nelly Korda expressed her gratitude and pride in winning the Annika Award:

“It’s an honor to be recognized among such incredible players and to have my name associated with Annika Sörenstam, one of the greatest players our sport has ever seen. This season has been a dream come true, and to cap it off with this award is truly special.”

The Rolex Annika Major Award is not merely about individual wins; it recognizes consistency, excellence, and resilience across the sport’s most prestigious events. Points are awarded to players who finish in the top 10 at each of the five major championships.

However, to win the award, a player must also have won at least one of these majors during the season. This year, Nelly Korda’s victory at the Chevron Championship, combined with her consistent top-tier finishes, propelled her to the top of the leaderboard with 84 points, ahead of the other major winners: Ayaka Furue, Yuka Saso and Lydia Ko.

Winning the Rolex Annika Major Award is a true mark of excellence in women’s golf. The award demands not just one outstanding performance but consistent excellence throughout the season. A player must navigate the challenges of varying courses, weather conditions, and intense competition, all while maintaining a high level of play. Points are earned based on finishing positions at the majors, with the winner typically requiring a blend of top finishes and at least one major victory.

For Nelly Korda, the path to winning the 2024 Annika Award began with her victory at the Chevron Championship, where she displayed the skill and determination that have become her trademarks. This win, part of a five-tournament winning streak earlier in the year, set the tone for her season.

Her streak tied the record for consecutive wins on the LPGA Tour, placing her in the company of legends like Annika Sörenstam and Nancy Lopez.

Korda’s ability to consistently perform under pressure, especially in major championships, is what sets her apart. Her top-10 finish at St Andrews was her 12th career top-10 in a major, further underscoring her status as one of the game’s elite players. With this award, Korda has solidified her legacy as a dominant force in women’s golf, following in the footsteps of previous RAMA winners such as Lydia Ko, Inbee Park, and Ariya Jutanugarn.

As the season winds down, Nelly Korda’s focus will undoubtedly shift to new challenges, but the 2024 Rolex Annika Major Award will remain a shining highlight of her career. This achievement not only cements her place among the greats of the game but also serves as a reminder of the remarkable consistency and excellence she has displayed throughout the year. As she prepares for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, where she will receive the award, Korda’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in recent history.