Newly minted Player of the Year Nelly Korda has not played competitively in nearly two months, but based on her opening round at The Pelican on Thursday, you could never have guessed that was the case.

Charley Hull, fresh off her first victory in more than two years, didn’t lose her form from Saudi Arabia to Florida in opening with a 6-under-par 64 to share the lead with Jiwon Jeon.

Nelly Korda has won a big prize without even playing. The American clinched the points-based award as LPGA player of the year on Sunday.

After missing nearly two months due to an injury, Nelly Korda revealed that she rushed her rehab to play in the season’s final two events.

Nelly Korda is the best player on the LPGA Tour 2024. Now untouchable in the points standings, the number 1 on the green in pink received the Rolex Player of the year award.