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, with numerous victories and accolades solidifying her status as one of the premier golfers in the world. Among her many achievements, Korda recently secured the prestigious Rolex Annika Major Award (RAMA), underscoring her dominance in the most challenging events on the LPGA Tour. This award,…
Nelly Korda’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with numerous victories and accolades solidifying her status as one of the premier golfers in the world. Among her many achievements, Korda recently secured the prestigious Rolex Annika Major Award (RAMA), underscoring her dominance in the most challenging events on the LPGA Tour.
This award, given to the player with the most outstanding record across the five major championships, marks a significant milestone in Korda’s already illustrious career.
Winning the Annika Award is yet another testament to Nelly Korda’s remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. The 26-year-old American, already a two-time major champion, has consistently performed at the highest level throughout the season, making this recognition well-deserved.
### Nelly Korda’s Triumph at the Annika Award
Nelly Korda’s exceptional performances throughout the LPGA Tour’s five major championships culminated in her winning the 2024 Rolex Annika Major Award (RAMA). This award, which has been presented annually since 2014, is named after the legendary golfer Annika Sörenstam and honors the player who demonstrates the most outstanding record across the majors.
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 journey to this accolade was nothing short of impressive. Her T-2 finish at the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, held 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 victory at the Chevron Championship—her second career major title—and a total of six wins in 2024 alone.
Reflecting on this achievement, Nelly Korda expressed her gratitude and pride:
“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 just about individual wins; it celebrates 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. To win the award, however, a player must also secure at least one major victory during the season. This year, Nelly Korda’s triumph at the Chevron Championship, combined with her consistent top-tier finishes, propelled her to the top of the leaderboard with 84 points, ahead of other major winners like 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 requires 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 needing 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, sets her apart from her peers. 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.