Nelly Korda Nominated for Two ESPYs

Top Honors for the World No. 1

World No. 1 Nelly Korda is up for two ESPY awards, highlighted by a nomination for Best Female Athlete in her sport. She appears on the ballot alongside hockey star Hilary Knight, skier Mikaela Shiffrin and WNBA player A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. The best‑golfer category also features Korda, who earned her spot with a dominant start to the season.

Korda’s recognition follows a breakthrough run that captured the first two majors of 2026, including a victory at the U.S. Women’s Open on the Riviera course. The ballot for Best Golfer adds Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked second, as well as men’s world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. The competition underscores how Korda’s form has elevated her to the forefront of global golf.

ESPY Event Details

The 2026 ESPYs will air on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC from the David H. Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center in New York City. While no LPGA players are slated to attend, the presence of Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, has added a notable buzz to the evening. Kai will be in New York for the show and is set to compete for the University of Miami next fall.

Korda’s last ESPY triumph came in 2022 when she captured the Best Female Golfer award, a rare LPGA win at the ceremony. Historically, LPGA players have made appearances at the show, including Michelle Wie West, Dara Torres and Natalie Gulbis, Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer. Their past involvement illustrates the occasional crossover between golf and mainstream sports recognition.

LPGA Presence at Past ESPYs

Former champion Michelle Wie West appeared at the 2022 ESPYs.

Olympic swimmer Dara Torres and golfer Natalie Gulbis presented an award at the 2009 ESPYs.

Golfer Annika Sorenstam and NFL star Tony Gonzalez presented the Best International Athlete award in 2008.

LPGA player Paula Creamer attended the 2009 ESPYs.