The Nelly Invitational: Meaning Behind ‘Lion’ Logo Explored

A new invitational has been added to the American Junior Golf Association’s (AJGA) schedule by the AJGA and its global sponsor, TaylorMade Golf. The all-girls competition will be hosted by the talented LPGA Tour player, AJGA alumna, and Team TaylorMade athlete Nelly Korda. The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida, is hosting the inaugural tournament, known as the Nelly Invitational, from May 3–6, 2024.

Entry into the competition costs $375 and is open to girls between the ages of 12 and 19. Sixty-six of the best female junior golfers in the world will compete in the 54-hole stroke play event. There are many interesting things about the new event, but the thing that is catching everyone’s eye is the colorful logo for the event.

What is Nelly Korda’s special logo?

The logo, designed specifically for the 25-year-old pro, is a graphic image of a lion. The lion logo, previously spotted on the TaylorMade TP5, specially designed for Nelly Korda, is now turning into her brand identity, and rightfully so! After all, her 5-peat streak is not a normal trait that anyone gets to witness often.

The logo shows a two-dimensional icon of an orange lion, with the initials NK hidden away in its mane. The only difference between the logo on the balls and the logo for the invitational is the addition of the greens in the new one. The reason for the lion logo is simple. Often called the “Golden Lioness,”  Nelly Korda has a deeper connection to the animal. “My parents call me Lion,” she said in an interview with the Golf Channel. “I am Leo, so I kind of have that kind of personality on the golf course.” 

Well, it sure does fit her personality, and now, after matching the record for the highest consecutive wins on the LPGA Tour, she deserves her nickname more than ever. The Nelly Invitational will offer nice exposure to young girls and will allow them to gain higher golfing skills.

Why did the Nelly Invitational begin?

To provide elite female junior golfers with more opportunities to compete at a high level, this event was created. Since 2021, the AJGA has partnered with TaylorMade to sponsor an all-boys competition; however, up until now, there hasn’t been a comparable venue for elite junior girls. The driving reason behind this new event was the golfer herself as she enjoyed a brilliant junior career with the AJGA.

As a former member of the AJGA who went on to compete in the Olympics and win on the LPGA Tour, Korda knows how important it is to have elite competitions for junior players to showcase their abilities. The Nelly Invitational was founded as a result of her desire to give back and motivate upcoming female golfers.

Talking about the one-of-a-kind opportunity, she said, “It’s a full-circle moment for me to be able to contribute to the organization that played a pivotal role in my development as a junior golfer.” 7 years after she retired from AJGA, she returns as a proud tournament host!  The competition hopes to motivate upcoming golfers and show that female players’ potential is limitless.