Top 10 LPGA storylines from 2024, including Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko and a long goodbye
Inside the ropes, it’s hard to imagine a better season for the LPGA. Fan favorite Lydia Ko played her way into the LPGA Hall of Fame in spectacular fashion, cementing her greatness, and an American dominated the tour for the first time in decades. There was plenty of drama off the course as well, even after the season had ended. The sudden departure of a commissioner as well as significant changes to the LPGA’s gender policy will impact the tour for years to come.
A record 34 LPGA players made over $1 million in 2024. Five players won multiple times. It was, at last, a season for the stars. Without further ado, here’s a look at the top 10 storylines from 2024:
1. Lydia Ko’s golden moment
It’s impossible to overstate the gravity of the moment. Few athletes get the chance to play their way into a Hall of Fame. Such decisions are usually made in boardrooms by committee and away from the court or field. But the LPGA’s points system meant that Ko could secure her spot with victory. That the triumph came at the 2024 Paris Olympics – giving her a career medal sweep of bronze, silver, and gold – was nothing short of legendary. At 27, Ko became the youngest to enter the LPGA’s Hall under the current criteria and the 35thoverall.
2. Lydia Ko’s fairy-tale summer continues
As if the Hall of Fame and Olympic gold weren’t enough, Ko won again two weeks later on golf’s most sacred ground. Ko became only the third woman to win the AIG Women’s British Open at St. Andrews, joining Lorena Ochoa and Stacy Lewis. Coming down the stretch in driving rain and wind, Ko showed that Hall of Fame grit when she hit a stunning 3-wood into the Road Hole to set up a par, birdie finish that couldn’t be beat. It marked her third career major victory and the first in eight years.
