Nelly Korda Chases Third Straight Major at $13 Million Women's PGA Championship

World No. 1 Nelly Korda arrives at Hazeltine National seeking her third consecutive major title and a share of the record-breaking $13 million purse.

Nelly Korda arrives at Hazeltine National Golf Club this week aiming to become the first golfer since 2013 to sweep the opening three majors of a single season. The 27-year-old world No. 1 secured the Chevron Championship in April before claiming a one-stroke victory over Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez at the U.S. Women's Open in California earlier this month. Having won four of her nine tournament entries during the current campaign, Korda maintains a dominant statistical lead in the Vare Trophy race. Her scoring average currently sits at 68.85, exactly 1.15 strokes lower than Hyo Joo Kim, her closest competitor for the LPGA's lowest scoring honor.

Historical stakes define this stop in Chaska, Minnesota, as only Inbee Park in 2013 and Babe Zaharias in 1950 have ever captured the first three majors of a calendar year. This pursuit of a third consecutive trophy coincides with a record-setting $13 million purse, the largest total prize fund in the history of the sport. To date, the American star has accumulated over $5.3 million in earnings this year, a figure bolstered by a consistency that includes eight top-10 finishes across nine starts.

The road to this suburban prairie southwest of Minneapolis followed a grueling stretch of travel. After her narrow win in California, Korda competed in the Dow Championship in Michigan alongside partner Olivia Cowan. She admitted to experiencing significant fatigue during that period, struggling with sleep and morning motivation. Despite the physical toll, she completed the team event before embarking on a high-profile media tour in New York City. This blitz included a cameo on the "Today" show, a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, and an appearance in Times Square.

LPGA Tour commissioner Craig Kessler emphasized that such activities are vital for athletes to transcend traditional sports boundaries into broader culture. Korda described the New York experience as an opportunity to display her "dorky" personality to a mainstream audience. Following a brief period at home to recharge, she noted on Wednesday that frequent exposure to high-pressure positions has increased her comfort with the demands of stardom.

Beyond her four 2026 victories, Korda’s performance metrics highlight a widening gap over the field. She drew parallels between the current growth of golf and the increased investment seen in professional tennis and basketball. The world No. 1 specifically cited the evolution of this tournament since it was last held at this venue in 2019. This event represents the final domestic major of the season before the tour moves to Europe for the Evian Championship in France, scheduled for July 9-12.

Authenticity remains a core focus for the top-ranked player as she navigates a schedule that culminates with the Women's British Open in England from July 30 to August 2. Korda stated that her primary goal is to remain genuine regardless of public perception. If she successfully hoists the trophy this week, she will head to the French swing with the opportunity to extend a historic winning streak. As she prepares for the opening round, Korda remains focused on the increased visibility of the game, noting that the larger stage helps the sport reach a broader audience.

What to Watch Next

This GOLF storyline will continue to develop in the coming days. Keep an eye on Nelly Korda major updates as the situation evolves. Upcoming fixtures and roster decisions could shift the narrative significantly.

Broader Implications

The outcome here has ripple effects across the GOLF landscape. Rival teams and analysts are already reassessing their outlook. The Nelly Korda major discussion touches on competitive balance questions that extend beyond this single result.