Story perspectives

Nelly Korda Wins Chevron, Reclaims No. 1 Amid Exclusion Controversy

4/29/2026

Summary

Korda Wins Chevron

Nelly Korda won the Chevron Championship in Houston, reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
The win gave her a third major, making her the first American woman with three majors since Meg Mallon in 2000, and raised her career earnings to $18.6 million after a $1.35 million prize.
Commissioner Craig Kessler expanded broadcast coverage and launched the WTGL indoor league, which Korda says excludes women.

Summary

Korda Goes Viral

Korda cannonballed into the Chevron Championship’s temporary pond with sister Jessica, creating a viral moment.
Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debut was shot by Ben Horton at The Boca Raton, showcasing swimsuits.
Fans flooded her Instagram post with comments from Tom Brady, Stephanie Kyriacou, WHOOP CEO Will Ahmed and Nike’s account.
Viewers noted Jessica’s leap while holding son Greyson, dubbing her “ride or die,” underscoring Korda’s cultural influence beyond golf.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 the du Maurier Classic lost its major status, prompting the Women’s British Open to become a major and the Evian Championship to join in 2013, creating today’s five-event lineup. Nelly Korda’s 2024 Chevron Championship win—her third major and earned $300,000 of a $1.35 million purse—mirrors the earlier surge of new majors that reshaped women’s golf.

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Korda Wins Chevron

Nelly Korda won the Chevron Championship in Houston, reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
The win gave her a third major, making her the first American woman with three majors since Meg Mallon in 2000, and raised her career earnings to $18.6 million after a $1.35 million prize.
Commissioner Craig Kessler expanded broadcast coverage and launched the WTGL indoor league, which Korda says excludes women.

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