Great Record: Jeeno Thitikul Breaks LPGA Prize Money Record—As Does Nelly Korda
The LPGA Tour has always been a platform for the world’s best female golfers to showcase their talents, but recently, two of its brightest stars—Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda—have made history in a way that will leave a lasting impact on the sport. Both players have broken the LPGA’s all-time prize money records, a testament to their skill, consistency, and dominance on the tour.
Jeeno Thitikul, a 21-year-old Thai sensation, made history when she became the youngest player ever to surpass the $20 million career earnings mark. Thitikul, who turned professional in 2017, had a breakout year in 2021, winning two LPGA titles and finishing as the Tour’s Player of the Year. However, it wasn’t just her on-course performances that propelled her to this remarkable financial milestone. Thitikul’s rise coincided with the LPGA’s growing exposure and its increasing prize pools.
In 2023, Thitikul’s earnings crossed the $20 million threshold, surpassing the previous record held by Korean golfer Inbee Park. What makes Thitikul’s achievement even more impressive is her age; as the youngest to reach this mark, she has broken the mold, proving that young talent can not only compete at the highest levels but also claim a spot among the Tour’s financial elite.
The impact of Thitikul’s rise goes beyond just the dollars and cents. As one of the faces of the new generation of female golfers, she represents a wave of young talent that is reshaping the future of the sport. Her ability to consistently perform under pressure, paired with her engaging personality, has made her a fan favorite around the world.
Not to be outdone, Nelly Korda, the 25-year-old American star, also etched her name into the LPGA history books in 2023 by surpassing $20 million in career earnings. Korda, known for her smooth swing, athleticism, and mental toughness, became the second player in LPGA history to break the $20 million mark.
Korda’s career trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular. From her first LPGA victory in 2016 to becoming the 2021 Olympic gold medalist, Korda has proven herself to be one of the best players in the world. Along with her big wins on the Tour, Korda’s consistency and ability to contend in nearly every tournament have helped her secure lucrative endorsement deals, further bolstering her earnings.
For Korda, this milestone is a reflection of her sustained excellence and the broader success of the LPGA Tour. Her career earnings and achievements highlight the increasing financial opportunities available to female athletes in the sport. Korda has been part of the movement that has seen the LPGA Tour raise its purse sizes, with many events now offering multi-million-dollar prize pools. As a global ambassador for women’s golf, Korda’s success serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to the next generation of players.
Thitikul and Korda’s historic achievements represent the changing landscape of women’s professional golf. As the LPGA Tour continues to grow, both in visibility and financial opportunity, the sport is attracting more young talent from around the world. The impressive career earnings of Thitikul and Korda are a direct result of this global growth, and their success will no doubt inspire future generations to dream big and aim high.
In the years to come, we can expect even more records to be shattered as young stars like Thitikul and Korda continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s professional golf. With their dedication, skill, and remarkable earnings, both players are not just breaking records—they are helping to redefine the future of women’s sports.
