For decades, women’s golf has been fighting for equal recognition and financial compensation in the world of sports. Despite their undeniable talent and dedication, female golfers have often been overlooked and underpaid compared to their male counterparts. However, it seems that the tides are finally turning as the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) is making significant strides in closing the gender pay gap.
Recently, Sportico released its list of the 15 highest-earning female athletes, and to the delight of many, two LPGA players have made it into the top tier. Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul have emerged as the leading ladies of the LPGA, breaking barriers and setting new records for women’s golf.
Nelly Korda, the 22-year-old American golfer, has been making waves in the golfing world since turning pro in 2016. She comes from a family of athletes, with her father being a former professional tennis player and her sister, Jessica Korda, also a successful LPGA player. Nelly’s impressive performance on the course has earned her numerous accolades, including her first LPGA Tour win at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship in 2018. She has since gone on to win four more LPGA titles, including the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, solidifying her position as one of the top players in the world.
But it’s not just her skill on the course that has propelled Nelly to the top of the earnings list. She has also secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Rolex, Titleist, and Skechers, among others. With an estimated total earnings of $5.5 million, Nelly has become the highest-earning female golfer in the world, surpassing even her sister Jessica.
Joining Nelly in the top tier of female athletes is 18-year-old Thai golfer, Jeeno Thitikul. She turned pro at the young age of 14 and has been making a name for herself in the golfing world ever since. In 2017, she became the youngest player to win a professional golf tournament at the Ladies European Thailand Championship. She has since gone on to win four more professional titles, including the 2019 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship.
Jeeno’s impressive performance on the course has earned her a spot on the LPGA Tour, making her the youngest player to qualify for the tour at just 17 years old. She has also secured endorsement deals with major brands such as Titleist and Puma, further adding to her earnings. With an estimated total of $1.2 million in earnings, Jeeno has become the second-highest-earning female golfer in the world, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
The success of Nelly and Jeeno is a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of women’s golf. The LPGA has been making significant efforts to promote and support its female players, and it’s paying off. The total prize money for the LPGA Tour has increased by 65% since 2010, reaching a record high of $76 million in 2021. This increase in prize money has allowed female golfers to earn more and attract more sponsors, ultimately closing the gender pay gap in the sport.
The rise of Nelly and Jeeno also serves as an inspiration for young girls and aspiring female golfers worldwide. They have shown that with hard work, determination, and talent, anything is possible, regardless of gender. They have shattered stereotypes and proven that women can excel in a male-dominated sport.
The LPGA’s efforts to promote and support its female players have not gone unnoticed. In fact, the LPGA has been praised for its commitment to gender equality and has been recognized as a leader in women’s sports. With the success of Nelly and Jeeno, it’s clear that the LPGA’s efforts are paying off, and women’s golf is on the rise.
In conclusion, the recent news of Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul breaking into the top tier of female athletes is a significant milestone for women’s golf. It not only showcases the talent and hard work of these two exceptional players but also highlights the progress that the LPGA has made in closing the gender pay gap. With the continued support and recognition of female golfers, the future of women’s golf looks bright, and we can expect to see more
