Nelly Korda clinches first Rolex Player of the Year award

With three LPGA Tour events remaining, Nelly Korda has clinched her first Rolex Player of the Year award.

"Winning the Rolex Player of the Year means so much to me," Korda said in a news release Monday. "This season has had its highs and challenges, and I'm just really grateful for the people around me who have helped me get here. It's been a team effort, and I'm proud to share this moment with them."

Korda, 26, has claimed six victories and three additional top-10 finishes this season, including her second major title at the Chevron Championship.

She follows Lilia Vu as the second consecutive American to win the award, the first time that happened in back-to-back years since Betsy King in 1993 and Beth Daniel in 1994.

Korda's campaign included five consecutive victories, a feat previously achieved only by Nancy Lopez (1978) and Annika Sorenstam (2004-05). She also helped the U.S. win the Solheim Cup in September.

Japan's Ayaka Furue entered last week needing to win the final four events on the schedule to catch Korda but she finished in a tie for 10th at the Toto Japan Classic.

Korda will accept the Player of the Year award and the ANNIKA Major Award at the Rolex LPGA Awards program on Nov. 20.

--Field Level Media