Nelly Korda’s 2024 season will be remembered as one for the ages. The 26-year-old notched seven LPGA Tour victories, including her second Major title, and added four more top-10 finishes in an extraordinary campaign.
Since reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking in March - a position she has held at least once every year since 2021 - Nelly Korda has showcased remarkable consistency. However, her season wasn’t without challenges, including a brief slump in the summer when she missed three consecutive cuts. So, what has been the secret to her improved shot-making and overall performance compared to her 2023 season, when she ended the year ranked World No. 5?
Nelly Korda won the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year and Annika Major Award
Statistics from KPMG Performance Statistics shed some light on the transformation. Korda played 67 rounds in 2023, but just 53 rounds this year. Notably, Korda and fellow American Rose Zhang each participated in only 35 events in 2024, the fewest among the top 25 players in the Rolex World Rankings.
While Nelly Korda’s streamlined schedule this season may reflect a more focused and efficient approach, it wasn’t entirely by design. As in 2023, when a summer back injury sidelined her for a month, Korda also faced health challenges this year when a neck injury forced her to miss two LPGA starts last month.
Despite a few setbacks, Korda has made notable improvements across key metrics. Her scoring average per round has dropped slightly, from 69.9 in 2023 to 69.7 in 2024. Already one of the LPGA Tour’s longest hitters, she extended her average driving distance by an extra yard, from 269 to 270 yards, while improving her fairways hit percentage from 73.9% to 75% and greens hit in regulation from 73.2% to 75.%. One of her most impressive gains came in greens hit under regulation, climbing from 4.40% to 5.90%.
The most telling improvement is in her strokes gained across all areas of the game, which has surged from 1.68 in 2023 to an impressive 2.49 this year. These incremental gains collectively underscore the exceptional consistency and quality of her play throughout her historic season.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Rounds Played | 67 | 53 |
| Scoring Average | 69.9 | 69.7 |
| Strokes Gained | 1.68 | 2.49 |
| Birdies or Better | 4.31 | 4.51 |
| Average Driving Distance | 269 yards | 270 yards |
| Fairways Hit | 73.9% | 75% |
| Greens in Regulation | 73.2% | 75.5% |
| Greens under Regulation | 4.40% | 5.90% |
| Putts Per Green in Regulation | 1.77 | 1.76 |
-
13 Big Names To Miss The Cut At The US OpenThe US Open is known for its ability to humble even the world’s biggest names, and some high-profile players are once again heading home early after two rounds Oakmont
-
US Open Golf Betting Tips: Post-Cut Odds And PredictionsAn eventful two rounds have taken place at Oakmont Country Club and, with scoring a struggle, there is value to be had over the weekend of the US Open
-
'Posting In A Swimsuit? Sure. On The Golf Course, I Wear Golf Clothes' - Blair O’Neal On Brand, Balance And Being FirstShe modelled, she played, she built a brand that resonates. Blair O'Neal's take on content, class and connection continues to inspire
-
Is Your Golf Course Failing Women? Here’s What They NoticeWhy a woman's playing experience is often more challenging on golf courses not designed with her game in mind
-
I Let Nerves Ruin My Golf Game For Years… Here’s What ChangedAnxiety on the course holds back many golfers. These 5 tips will help turn fear into confident play
-
5 Women Share What They Really Think About Women's Golf FashionGolf Monthly's female team reveals their fashion hits and misses
-
I Broke 100 For The First Time And A Change Of Bag Set-Up Helped Me Do ItIf you're frustrated, stuck, and watching your scores climb, the right clubs (and belief) can help you to break through
-
'I Never Thought I Was Good Enough' - How A Fashion Shoot Helped A Golf Pro Overcome Self-DoubtHow one young golfer's fashion shoot reshaped how she saw herself - on and off the course
-
I Thought The Pink Castle Golf Tee Was Perfect... Until This DebateSingle figure golfer Carly Cummins questions if her trusted tee choice is holding her back
-
I've Tested Dozens Of Summer Golf Outfits - These 10 Are My FavoritesOur Women's Editor Alison Root handpicks her favorite summer styles
