Nelly Korda Chases History as Women's Golf Hits a $13M Milestone

World number one Nelly Korda arrives at the Women's PGA Championship at Hazeltine National with a chance to become only the third woman in history to win the first three majors of a single season. The tournament also marks a financial watershed for the sport, offering a record $13 million purse, the largest prize fund ever in women's golf.

What is at stake for Nelly Korda at Hazeltine?

Korda has already captured the Chevron Championship in April and the U.S. Women's Open in June, making her two for two in majors this season. Only Inbee Park in 2013 and Babe Zaharias in 1950 have ever won the first three majors of a year. Zaharias achieved the feat when only three majors existed on the entire schedule. Korda's dominance extends beyond the majors. She has won four of the nine tournaments she has entered this year, with only one finish outside the top 10. Her season prize money has surpassed $5.3 million, and she leads the Vare Trophy race for lowest scoring average by a commanding 1.15 strokes over Hyo Joo Kim.

How is Korda redefining what it means to be a women's sports star?

The 27-year-old has had little time to rest between her competitive runs. After her U.S. Women's Open victory, she honored her commitment to play the Dow Championship in Michigan with partner Olivia Cowan, a decision that required considerable self-discipline given her exhaustion. Then came a whirlwind media tour in New York on behalf of the LPGA, with appearances on the Today show, a visit to the New York Stock Exchange, and a stop at Times Square.