Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nelly Korda

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

How Nelly Korda built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nelly Korda is a highly accomplished American professional golfer on the LPGA Tour. A three-time major champion, she has won the Women's PGA Championship (2021) and the Chevron Championship (2024 and 2026). Korda's career boasts 22 professional wins, including 17 on the LPGA Tour, and an Olympic gold medal from the 2020 Summer Olympics. She has held the number one position in the Women's World Golf Rankings for over 100 weeks and was the year-end number one in both 2021 and 2024. She has represented the United States in the Solheim Cup four times and was a member of the winning team in 2024.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: U.S. Women's Open Cut

In 2013, at the age of 14, Nelly Korda made the cut at the U.S. Women's Open, finishing tied for 64th place.

2014: Kathy Whitworth Invitational Win and Kraft Nabisco Championship

In 2014, Nelly Korda triumphed at the Kathy Whitworth Invitational and received an invitation to compete at the Kraft Nabisco Championship as an amateur player.

January 2015: Harder Hall Invitational Victory

In January 2015, Nelly Korda secured victory at the Harder Hall Invitational, despite a two-stroke penalty for using a caddie.

2016: First Professional Win

In 2016, Nelly Korda began her professional career on the Symetra Tour and achieved her first professional victory at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge.

2016: Turned Professional and First Win

In 2016, Nelly Korda turned professional and secured her first professional tournament win at the Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge.

2017: Began Playing on the LPGA Tour

In 2017, Nelly Korda began her journey on the LPGA Tour.

2017: LPGA Tour Debut

In 2017, Nelly Korda made her LPGA Tour debut at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, finishing tied for 5th place. She also finished tied-8th at the CME Group Tour Championship.

October 28, 2018: Maiden LPGA Tour Title

On October 28, 2018, Nelly Korda secured her maiden LPGA Tour title at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

2018: First LPGA Event Win

In 2018, Nelly Korda won her first LPGA event at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship.

2019: Women's Australian Open Triumph and Top 10 Ranking

In 2019, Nelly Korda triumphed at the Women's Australian Open, propelling her into the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time.

2020: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020 (delayed Summer Olympics), Nelly Korda made history as the first American female golfer to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games since 1900.

2021: First Major Win and World Number One

In 2021, Nelly Korda achieved her first major victory at the Women's PGA Championship, which also led to her becoming the world number one ranked player.

2021: Women's PGA Championship Victory

In 2021, Nelly Korda claimed victory at the Women's PGA Championship, marking her first major win.

November 2024: Victory at the Tournament of Champions

In November 2024, Nelly Korda won the Tournament of Champions, marking her first LPGA Tour event win since November 2024.

2024: Fifth Consecutive Victory and Second Major Title at the Chevron Championship

In 2024, Nelly Korda achieved her fifth consecutive victory and secured her second major title at the Chevron Championship with a score of 275 (-13), winning by two strokes.

2024: Five Consecutive Wins and Second Major

In 2024, Nelly Korda became the third player to win five consecutive tournaments on the LPGA Tour, culminating in her second major win at the Chevron Championship.

2024: Women's British Open, Olympics, and Solheim Cup

In 2024, Nelly Korda finished tied-3rd at the Women's British Open, was unable to defend her Olympic title, and was part of the United States team that won the Solheim Cup.

2024: Chevron Championship Victory and Solheim Cup

In 2024, Nelly Korda won the Chevron Championship and became a member of the winning United States team at the Solheim Cup.

2025: Runner-Up Finish and Loss of World Number One Ranking

In 2025, Nelly Korda finished runner-up at the Tournament of Champions, lost her world number one ranking to Atthaya Thitikul after holding it for 71 consecutive weeks, and withdrew from the United States team for the International Crown due to an injury.