Nelly Korda as 2024 Players of the Year
The Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) has announced the Players of the Year for 2024, with Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda, and Ernie Els winning the honors in their respective divisions. Their remarkable achievements this past season have not only captivated golf fans but have also set high standards in the golfing community.
Scottie Scheffler, at just 29, clinched his second GWAA Male Player of the Year award after a phenomenal season that saw him win nine tournaments globally. Highlights of Scheffler’s year include his second Masters victory, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, a historic repeat at THE PLAYERS Championship, and his inaugural win of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup. Scheffler’s dominance is further underscored by his leadership in three of the six major strokes-gained categories and an impressive average scoring of 68.01 on the PGA TOUR.
On the women’s side, Nelly Korda, aged 26, tied historical records by winning five consecutive LPGA starts, a feat achieved only by legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam. Her victories included the Chevron Championship, marking her second major win. Korda’s season was stellar, with seven LPGA titles in total, making her the first American since 1990 to achieve this in a single season. Despite a challenging neck injury, Korda finished the year with 11 top-10 finishes in 16 starts, and played a key role in the U.S. team’s Solheim Cup victory.
In the senior division, Ernie Els, at 55, was named the GWAA Senior Player of the Year. Els won three PGA TOUR Champions events, including his first senior major at the Kaulig Companies Championship. His consistent performance throughout the season included seven top-three finishes and no placements worse than eighth in his four senior major starts.
Read More: Dominate in Team Cup After Round Two
The GWAA, founded in 1946, continues to foster a spirit of camaraderie among those who cover the sport while striving to enhance working conditions at tournaments. The association will honor these distinguished players at the 51st annual ISPS Handa GWAA Dinner in Augusta, Georgia, on April 9, setting the stage for the 89th Masters. This recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires the next generation of golfers, reinforcing the prestigious nature of these awards.
