To lock up a season long points race midway through the season takes some pretty good golf. That’s exactly how Inbee Park has played this season, winning four times this year including two major championships.
The Rolex Annika Major Award recognizes the season’s top player who has also won a major championship during the year. Park qualified for this season’s award with her win at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in June and immediately climbed to the top of the standings. With her second major win of the year to capture the Career Grand Slam at the RICOH Women’s British Open, the world No.1 secured her position at the top with it being mathematically impossible for anyone else to claim this year’s award.
“Obviously it's a prestigious award,” said Park after her victory Sunday. “Annika is a legendary player. She's my idol. It feels a great honor to put my name on that award.”
Park leads 2015 ANA Inspiration champion Brittany Lincicome by 64 points. U.S. Women’s Open champion In Gee Chun is third with 60 points.
Park nearly captured the inaugural award last season, finishing just nine points behind eventual winner Michelle Wie. This year’s trophy will be awarded following the season’s final major in September at the Evian Championship.