The LPGA has been seeking to expand and reach a broader audience. However, beyond simply capturing the spectators’ attention and drawing top players to the course, there is another crucial aspect that requires significant attention. It is the sponsors who invest in the events. With the growth aspect and the sponsors in mind, Nelly Korda & Co. are reminded of their duties by a former LPGA professional.
In 2023, the tour reached $123 million in revenue from sponsorship. Well, to know how major a contribution it was, the entire 2023 season offered prize money of $101.4 million. With the prize being covered by the sponsors’ money, it brings in responsibility to keep them happy in order to grow.
Recently, at the Portland Classic’s pre-match press conference, Juli Inkster shared about the responsibilities. The moderator asked about the organization’s growth and how it has evolved in the past 75 years. Speaking of which, she said, “We’ve had a lot of great leaders leading us to this, but this is an organization where we’re individual employees. If we want this to continue, we have to work at that. That’s doing your part in the pro-am, doing your part in the sponsor’s dinners.” On the LPGA Tour, a sponsor’s dinner is a social event where players, sponsors, and key stakeholders take part to interact and appreciate efforts.
Back in 2011, the CEO of the CME Group, Terry Duffy, talked about zero participation at the sponsors’ dinner. He said of the incident, “It’s an embarrassment to a company of my size and an embarrassment to me personally.” Well, not just him, but Meg Adkins also mentioned the tour becoming the least cooperative. She said, “It’s gone from the LPGA being the easiest tour to work with to… let’s just say, not the easiest. That needs to change.”
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – APRIL 27: Nelly Korda of the United States plays her shot from the second tee during the final round of The Chevron Championship 2025 at The Club at Carlton Woods on April 27, 2025 in The Woodlands, Texas. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Well, talking about the same, Inkster still has the same concern. Sharing further, she said, “And the fans. We need to get more fans out here. Girls’ golf is growing rapidly, and there are idols. They look up to us. Well, maybe not me, but the generation that is playing right now. We got to make golf look fun. I think that’s our next thing, is improving a little bit on being a little more emotional out there and just enjoying the game.” Even though she did not take the name of the professional, it was clear that Korda was in the spotlight for the responsibility. The World No. 1 has been the one for the fans and the management to look out for. Even in the past, she was asked to come out of her shell and help the new commissioner.
Nelly Korda shows a better approach for the LPGA Tour
The 15-time LPGA Tour winner recorded the best year of her career in 2024. With 7 victories in a year, she became the favorite and the OWGR leader. But in her top position, she got additional responsibilities for the tour. Earlier, Stacy Lewis talked about her responsibility, saying, “I think Nelly does have a responsibility. It’s saying yes. Continuing to play great golf, though, is number 1. That’s what helps our tour the most… She also, I would say, does as much extra stuff as you can for us.”
Later, Beth Ann Nichols also joined in echoing Lewis’s thoughts. During the 5 Clubs podcast on the Golf Channel, she talked about the struggles of the golfer. Korda in 2025 hasn’t bagged any wins, but has been close with two runner-up finishes. However, despite the struggle, Nichols insisted that, “At the same time, I think it is important for her to always have the bigger picture of the LPGA in the back of her mind.” With the new commissioner, Craig Kessler, who recently took over on July 15, it is crucial for the tour to keep the upward momentum. In fact, the major role would be of the players, especially Nelly Korda, who has been the favorite since her 2024 performance.
But with her struggling performance in 2025, will Korda take the steps for the tour? What are your thoughts on it? Share with us in the comments below.
The post LPGA Legend Reminds Nelly Korda & More of Obligations Towards Sponsors to Grow Women’s Golf appeared first on EssentiallySports.
