Nelly Korda’s SI Swimsuit Earnings vs. CME Championship’s Ultimate Prize? Which is More Beneficial For World No.1?
The 2024 season has been nothing but blissful for Nelly Korda. The 26-year-old not only broke records on the LPGA Tour but also did things outside of the game, which was uncomfortable at first but made Korda a different kind of athlete. Two of her off-the-course stints were walking the Met Gala red carpet and becoming a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model for their 2025 magazine cover.
It was a stunning project as the golf world loves to see Korda in a different light. And even the LPGA Tour expressed that she enjoyed trying something outside of her comfort zone. But was the paycheck more than what Korda might earn at the CME Group Tour Championship? Probably not. A few things to keep in mind is that although the 26-year-old is a trending golfer, it was her debut as a model. Secondly, Korda still has not reached the same level as someone like Tiger Woods.
So her contract with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit might not have crossed $1 million as the LPGA Tour earned around $6.5 million in 2023 from her endorsements and that included nine different brands, per Forbes. On the other hand, the winner’s paycheck offered is $4 million from the record-breaking $11 million up for the field. The CME Group Tour Championship is the only non-major event to have over $10 million in prize purse and offers more than what was given at all the majors except the US Women’s Open.
