It's time for the LPGA Tour season finale where Nelly Korda looks to put the "cherry on top" of a very successful year

Fresh off her seventh LPGA victory of the season, Nelly Korda enters the CME Group Tour Championship with a mix of gratitude and determination. The 2024 Rolex Player of the Year spoke candidly in a press conference, reflecting on her record-breaking season and the challenges she overcame to reach this point.

Reflecting on a stellar season

Korda, who has cemented her place as one of the sport’s most dominant players, admitted that her whirlwind year has been hard to process. “Honestly, it’s been a crazy year,” she said. “I’m grateful for the highs; grateful for the lows; grateful to be doing what I love in front of people, hopefully inspiring the next generation.”

Despite the accolades, Korda credits both the victories and challenges as shaping her growth. “I can’t pick one certain moment because I’ve just enjoyed all of it,” she shared, adding that becoming an aunt to her nephew Greyson was a personal highlight.

Overcoming mid-season struggles

Even with seven wins under her belt, Korda’s journey wasn’t without its obstacles. “The middle part of the year just felt like the hardest thing in the world,” she admitted, referencing a mental slump that briefly disrupted her momentum. Leaning on her support system, Korda found her way back to top form. “It’s not a race; it’s a marathon. Life is going to throw you curveballs. Sometimes they just hit you, and you have to dust yourself off and get back up again.”

When asked if she felt back in the flow, Korda responded with characteristic humility. “Hopefully. With golf, it’s up and down. You can never be comfortable.”

Prioritising rest and recovery

After her latest victory, Korda is laser-focused on preparing for the season finale. “I feel good about my game,” she said. “It’s nice to have my coach, Jamie Mulligan, here for the practice days. But this week is about prioritizing rest and recovery after last week.”

Her pragmatic approach extends to her aspirations for the week. “No matter how I finish this week, I’m going to be proud of the season and how we all worked together. Finishing high would just be the cherry on top.”

Advocacy for change in golf

Korda didn’t shy away from addressing broader issues in the sport, particularly slow play. “It’s a pretty big issue,” she said. “It’s not good for the fans, and it drags the game down.” Advocating for stricter monitoring and penalties, she emphasised the need for players to be ready faster. “People overanalyze and start their process too late. My first instinct is always the best - see it, hit it.”

Additionally, Korda called for more visibility for the women’s game, supporting the need for prime-time television coverage. “We have a great product out here with so many amazing stories. We just need more hours on TV.”

Eyes on the prize

As the 2024 LPGA season nears its conclusion, Korda remains grounded yet ambitious. With $4 million on the line for the CME Group Tour Championship winner, she stayed focused on the process rather than the outcome. “I like to stay very present. You can ask me about that if I’m in contention on Sunday.”

For Nelly Korda, this season has showcased her resilience and adaptability, which has led to excellence. As she prepares for the grand finale, she carries not just the weight of expectation but also the lessons learned from an unforgettable year.

View the tee times and leaderboard for the CME Group Tour Championship here.