Japanese star recognized after AIG Women’s Open triumph; Minjee Lee, Stacy Lewis, and others also honored at 2025 Rolex LPGA Awards
The LPGA celebrated a season of milestones at the 2025 Rolex LPGA Awards in Naples, Florida, with standout players and contributors recognized ahead of the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Yamashita Earns Rookie of the Year After Major Victory
Miyu Yamashita, already familiar to UK fans after her win at this year’s AIG Women’s Open, was named the 2025 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year. The 22-year-old Japanese player is the second straight honoree from Japan, following Mao Saigo in 2024, and only the third Japanese recipient in the award’s history.
Yamashita secured the honor with consistent performances throughout her debut season, clinching the points-based award following her finish at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge. She burst onto the scene with a top-five finish at the Fortinet Founders Cup and cemented her status by becoming a Rolex First-Time Winner at Walton Heath during the AIG Women’s Open.
“I am very honored and happy to win this award,” Yamashita said. “I will keep working hard and try to win many more tournaments.”
Minjee Lee Recognized for Major Performance
Australia’s Minjee Lee was named the winner of the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award, given to the player with the best overall performance in the season’s five major championships. Lee captured the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June, one of her five top-25 finishes in majors this year.
Lee is the first player to win the award twice, having also earned the honor in 2022.
Lindy Duncan Honored for Perseverance
Lindy Duncan received the Heather Farr Perseverance Award following her most successful season to date. Duncan recorded six top-10 finishes, including a dramatic runner-up result at The Chevron Championship, where she participated in the largest playoff in major championship history.
Stacy Lewis Awarded Founders Award
Veteran Stacy Lewis was honored with the Founders Award, given to the LPGA player who best exemplifies the values and spirit of the Tour’s founders. Lewis, who announced her retirement earlier this season, was recognized for her impact both on and off the course, including her leadership as Solheim Cup captain in 2023 and 2024.
Hall of Fame Members Recognized by Commissioner
The LPGA Commissioner’s Award was presented to current LPGA Hall of Fame members for their continued contributions to the game. Betsy King, Lydia Ko, Nancy Lopez, Judy Rankin, and Annika Sorenstam were in attendance to accept the honor.
Commissioner Craig Kessler praised their commitment: “They continue to inspire even after stepping away from competition. They are incredible humans.”
Marvol Barnard Receives Ellen Griffin Award
Marvol Barnard, Director of Instruction at the Country Club of Green Valley in Arizona, was recognized with the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award for her dedication to teaching and expanding access to the game, particularly through her work with LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.
Rolex First-Time Winners Celebrated
A record number of 11 players were recognized as Rolex First-Time Winners in 2025, including Yamashita, Lottie Woad (ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open), and Mao Saigo (The Chevron Championship). Other first-time champions included Jin Hee Im, Akie Iwai, Chisato Iwai, Somi Lee, Ingrid Lindblad, Yealimi Noh, Rio Takeda, and Miranda Wang.
