It was like Nelly Korda did not want to check patience for the inevitable. Wasting no time, she showed off her hands as a 4-year-old when the clubs were still her height. By 14, she was already competing in the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open at Sebonack Golf Club to tie for T-64. Her transition to the professional world was also smooth through the Symetra Tour win in 2016. No doubt, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) helped her build confidence and create a legacy from a very young age for all this to be possible.
So, after earning the bragging rights of being the World No. 1 and the face of the LPGA, when it was time to help other young girls to experience what she did as an amateur golfer, the 8x LPGA Tour winner completed her “full circle moment” with The Nelly Invitational in 2024. After rounding up a field of 53 players in the first season where Aphrodite Deng took the cake, creating multiple records for the event, the Invitational has returned.
This time, it is a bigger house, a bigger stage, and with much more at stake. Entering its second edition set for May 1-4, Nelly announced the new $290 billion worth sponsor in February – Chevron – which is ready to amp-up the competition, the prizes, and visibility of junior female golfers. So, with a similar vision for women’s golf — the one of success and growth — Nelly Korda is all grateful.
This time around, the players will also get $2,000 travel stipends that will cover their $295 entry fees, flights, and accommodations. The event also plans on inviting top 10 international players to their 66-player field outside of its membership and qualifications through the Rolex AJGA rankings. For those, there is an additional $500 stipend.
