Nelly Korda holds a slim lead in the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award race, but Haeran Ryu is closing fast. Ryu captured her second consecutive major on July 12 at the Amundi Evian Championship, less than two weeks after winning the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. That back-to-back run puts her at 120 points in the standings, only six behind Korda's 126.
What happened?
Ryu's impressive performance has put her in contention for the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes the player who accumulates the most points from the four major championships. Korda, who earned her two majors earlier in the season, is still in the lead, but Ryu's momentum is undeniable.
Why it matters for Nelly Korda
Korda's edge comes from an additional tied-for-eighth finish at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, which has given her a slight advantage in the standings. However, Ryu's consistency and recent success have narrowed the gap, making the final event, the AIG Women's Open, a crucial showdown for both players.
What comes next?
The AIG Women's Open is the last major on the LPGA 2026 schedule, and a strong showing from either player could decide both the award and the LPGA rankings heading into the fall. Korda and Ryu will face off in a battle for supremacy, with the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award hanging in the balance.
Both LPGA stars are familiar with Rolex hardware. Korda claimed the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award and Rolex Player of the Year during her 2024 campaign, while Ryu earned the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award in 2023. Now, the LPGA awards race comes down to one final event, with the AIG Women's Open serving as the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
The LPGA rankings have been a closely watched aspect of the season, with Korda and Ryu vying for the top spot. Ryu's recent success has put her in a strong position to challenge Korda's lead, and the final event will be a true test of their skills.
Korda and Ryu have made LPGA Tour history as no two players have ever won multiple majors in the same season before. Their rivalry has been one of the most compelling storylines of the season, and the final event will be a fitting conclusion to their battle for supremacy.
The AIG Women's Open will be a major test of Korda and Ryu's skills, with the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award hanging in the balance. A strong showing from either player could decide both the award and the LPGA rankings heading into the fall.
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