3 Key Points
- Lilia Vu clinches LPGA Rolex Player of the Year, marking her outstanding season with two major wins.
- Celine Boutier and Ruoning ‘Ronni’ Yin receive honorable mentions for their exceptional performances.
- Both Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda, despite being early season favorites, did not secure victories in the LPGA this year.
Golfweek had its annual player of the year awards. Here are the top players from the LPGA.
Unexpected Rise to the Top
The landscape of women’s golf witnessed a dynamic shift this year, defying earlier predictions and bringing new champions to the forefront. While the season opened with expectations hovering around Lydia Ko after her win in Saudi Arabia and Nelly Korda’s late 2022 comeback, the year unfolded with surprising turns.
Spotlight on Emerging Stars
Stepping into the limelight, three emerging talents drastically altered the championship narrative. Races were tightly contested, and the season crowned a new standout who rose above with consistent, high-caliber play. These new faces commanded attention and etched their names in the annals of golf history.
Honoring Incredible Talent
Celine Boutier, the accomplished French golfer, cemented her status by capturing multiple titles, including her historic victory at the Amundi Evian Championship. She continued to impress with consecutive wins, highlighted by her tenacious playoff performance in Malaysia.
Rookie Sensation
Rookie Ruoning ‘Ronni’ Yin experienced a remarkable turnaround from her initial struggles on the tour. Her maiden win in Los Angeles paved the way for her major triumph, elevating her to the pinnacle of women’s golf rankings for four weeks, a noteworthy achievement that earned her an honorable mention.
Crowning Achievement
Ultimately, Lilia Vu, the formidable contender from the United States, stood out as the LPGA Rolex Player of the Year. Her season was punctuated by a series of triumphs, including an inaugural major victory at the Chevron Championship and a second major win at the AIG Women’s British Open.
Vu’s ascension marked a series of milestones; not only did she earn two majors in a single season, a feat unseen since Juli Inkster in 1999, but she also became the first American to clinch the Player of the Year award since Stacy Lewis in 2014. Reflecting on her journey, Vu shared, “I think it’s been unreal for that to happen. Just really hard on myself. This year, too, but much nicer.”
With tenacity and grace, Vu’s remarkable season demonstrates the unpredictability and excitement that defines the highest levels of golf. Her story is a testament to the dedication and excellence that the LPGA celebrates.
