Being one of the best golfers in the world is not just about winning titles. Of course, you have to win as often as you can and expand your trophy cabinet to get there. But there is more to it than just pride and glory. You have to be an inspiration to everyone who looks up to you, whether it is a fan, your peers, or even your family. Nelly Korda fulfilled that role for her brother a couple of years ago as he was finding his way in professional tennis. Sebastian Korda called his sister “super-inspiring” after the latter won her first major on the LPGA Tour.
On a break from professional golf, Rose Zhang also turned up for the young athletes at her university earlier this year. Busy with her own winter terms, Zhang took some time off to show support to the players at the American Jr. Golf Association. At least that is what one of the juniors stated as she acknowledged the LPGA Tour pro’s involvement during an interview. Asterisk Talley said, “Rose is such an inspiration to all of us. It’s wonderful that she returns to support us at tournaments where she achieved so much as a junior.”
And now, Korda is back in the picture with another amazing step that will secure the future of golf. Having done what she did in 2024, the world no. 1 has become a household name in the golf community. Her contribution to the sport is immense and more and more people are realizing it every day. One brand realized the same some time ago as they have etched Korda’s name into the LPGA Tour with their latest decision.
That’s what Nelly Korda and Zack Tawatari discussed in the latest video of the KHOU 11 channel on YouTube. The pair were discussing the contribution of the $290 billion brand, Chevron as a sponsor for the major events and also towards the amateur circuit. That’s when Tawatari mentioned how the energy company will also be sponsoring the Nelly Invitational. In fact, the winner of the tournament will also get an exemption from the 2026 Chevron Championship, opening a new gateway for young and talented players.
Tawatari asked Korda her thoughts about the situation. The 15x LPGA Tour winner replied, “I can’t thank Chevron enough for coming in and once again elevating something like my AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) event.” The AJGA is an organization that has the sole purpose of nurturing and promoting promising talent to the community and helping them level up to the next stage in their professional career.
Korda continued, “For the girls to get a chance to play to compete in a major championship… Myself, I played in this championship twice as an amateur and I learned so much from it. So for them to come in and once again support and elevate the game of women’s golf speaks volumes on their character and what they’re committed to. We had this amazing vision for my junior event and I’m just so happy that they came on board and have continued to elevate it.” Giving young women a straight path to participate in the Chevron Championship from 2026 onwards is an excellent way to motivate them to compete in the tournament.
Apr 19, 2024; The Woodlands, Texas, USA; Nelly Korda (USA) and her caddie Jason McDede wait to putt on the ninth green during the second round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Having said that, what is the format of The Nelly Invitational? Let’s take a look at the specifics of the tournament.
Nelly Korda’s AJGA event details
Now known as The Nelly Invitational presented by Chevron, the tournament has been around since 2024. Last year, Nelly Korda and her team held it at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida. The field had 66 players battling in a 54-hole contest. It was held between girls of age group 12-19. The tournament fee was $375. 14-year-old, Aphrodite Deng won the tournament by 1 stroke despite going 5 over par in the final round.
The Chevron-sponsored edition of the tournament will be held from May 1-5, 2025. The field size and format will remain the same and so will the age group. However, the tournament fee has been reduced thanks to some relief from the sponsors. Participants will now have to pay $295. It is worth keeping an eye on the tournament with a winner getting a direct ticket to the 2026 Chevron Championship.
Either way, what do you think of Nelly Korda and Chevron’s amazing gesture? Let us know in the comments section!
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