Three Golfers Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026
Three golfers—Rory McIlroy, Nelly Korda, and Jeeno Thitikul—were included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports list for 2026, according to the publication’s official announcement on Tuesday. The recognition highlights their dominance in a year marked by record-breaking performances and shifting dynamics in professional golf.
Why Are These Three Golfers Leading the Pack?
Rory McIlroy, the 37-year-old world No. 2, secured his place on the list after back-to-back Masters victories and a renewed focus on Grand Slam success. His recent U.S. Open and Open Championship campaigns have reignited discussions about his legacy, with analysts noting his “freer, more confident play” following his major drought, according to Golf Channel.
Nelly Korda, 27, solidified her influence with two major wins in 2026, including the U.S. Women’s Open. Her eight LPGA starts this season featured seven top-two finishes, including four wins, as reported by Golf Channel’s coverage of her U.S. Women’s Open triumph. Jeeno Thitikul, 23, rounds out the trio despite lacking a major title, thanks to her two LPGA victories and consistent top-10 finishes.
How Did Nelly Korda Rise to the Top?
Korda’s 2026 season has been a masterclass in consistency. After winning the Chevron in April, she claimed the U.S. Women’s Open, becoming the first player to win both majors in the same year since 2015. Her performance at the U.S. Women’s Open, where she finished 10 strokes ahead of the field, underscores her status as the “most dominant force in women’s golf,” per Golf Channel.
Her success contrasts with Jeeno Thitikul, who, despite being world No. 2, has yet to secure a major. Thitikul’s T-28 finish at the U.S. Women’s Open highlights the gap between her current form and Korda’s peak. However, her two 2026 wins—Honda LPGA Thailand and the Mizuho Americas Open—showcase her potential to challenge Korda in the coming seasons.
What’s Next for Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul?
Korda’s next major test comes at the 2026 Open Championship, where she aims to complete a career Grand Slam. Her recent form suggests she is “unstoppable,” as noted by Golf Channel analysts. Meanwhile, Thitikul’s focus will shift to closing the gap in major titles, a challenge she has yet to overcome despite her world No. 2 ranking.
For McIlroy, the 2026 U.S. Open represents a chance to end his 11-year major drought. His performance in the tournament could redefine his career, as his recent “abandonment of pressure” has been praised by Golf Channel commentators.
Why Is Scottie Scheffler Missing from the Sports List?
Men’s world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was excluded from the sports-specific list but named in TIME’s broader 100 Most Influential People of 2026. This split recognition reflects the publication’s distinction between sport-specific impact and general cultural influence, according to Golf Channel’s analysis.
Did You Know?
Nelly Korda’s 2026 U.S. Women’s Open victory made her the first player to win two majors in a single season since 2015. Jeeno Thitikul’s 2026 season includes a win in her home country, a rarity for LPGA players.
Pro Tips for Following Golf’s Rising Stars
Track Korda’s Open Championship campaign for insights into her Grand Slam ambitions. Follow Thitikul’s major attempts, as her consistency could soon translate into a breakthrough. For McIlroy, focus on his U.S. Open performance as a potential career milestone.
FAQ
Why is Rory McIlroy on the list?
McIlroy’s back-to-back Masters wins and renewed focus on major titles earned him a spot, according to Golf Channel.
What’s Nelly Korda’s major count now?
Korda has four major titles after winning the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, per Golf Channel
