Among the many talented players on the LPGA Tour, Nanna Koerstz Madsen has achieved a historic feat that no other Danish golfer has before. In 2022, she became the first player from Denmark to win the Honda LPGA Thailand, securing her place in the sport’s history. But that victory was just one chapter in her impressive career. Since turning professional in 2015, Madsen has consistently showcased her skills at multiple prestigious events. She first made her mark on the Ladies European Tour before earning a spot on the LPGA Tour in 2018.

However, her success didn’t start there—Madsen’s journey as a golfer began long before she turned pro. As an amateur, she built a strong foundation, achieving notable wins that set the stage for her pro career. Let’s take a closer look at the career of the Smørum, Denmark-born golfer, and how she rose to prominence in the world of golf.

A closer look at Nanna Koerstz Madsen’s career

Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2018, Nanna Koerstz Madsen has come agonizingly close to multiple victories but has secured just one LPGA title to date. That breakthrough win came at the 2022 Honda LPGA Thailand, where she delivered a stellar performance, finishing 26-under-par (262) and edging out Lin Xiyu of China in a dramatic playoff.

However, victory has slipped through her fingers on more than one occasion. At the JTBC Classic, she fought her way into contention but fell short on the second extra hole, losing to Atthaya Thitikul after a bogey putt. Even before that, Madsen was on the brink of history at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open. Leading for three rounds, she had a golden opportunity to become the first-ever Danish golfer—male or female—to win a major championship.

But a costly double bogey on the 18th hole handed the title to Anna Nordqvist, leaving Madsen with a T5 finish. “It would be amazing winning a first LPGA event,” Dane once expressed talking about her razor-thin performances. Despite these near misses, Madsen’s career has been filled with strong performances. She has recorded, 18 top-10 finishes on the Ladies European Tour and 14 top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour In total, she has claimed five professional victories: 1 LPGA Tour title, 1 Ladies European Tour win, and 3 Symetra Tour victories.

She even finished close at the ANA Inspiration in 2021, tying for third, while her best Olympic finish was a ninth-place tie in Tokyo in 2020. However, despite the ups and downs in her professional career, the Danish pro has been a great golfer. Even her amateur career wins prove the same.

Amateur journey of the Danish LPGA Pro

Before making her mark in professional golf, Madsen enjoyed a highly decorated amateur career, establishing herself as one of Europe’s finest young talents. In 2014, she was recognized as the best European amateur golfer, topping the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Her list of amateur achievements includes: Danish Women’s Match Play Champion (2012 & 2013), Medalist at the 2013 British Ladies Amateur Championship (shooting rounds of 69 and 72), and 10 amateur victories between 2009 and 2014

Her consistent success paved the way for her professional career. In 2015, she secured her Ladies European Tour (LET) card by winning the Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Qualifying. She made an immediate impact on the LET, finishing 9th in the rankings during her rookie year. The golfer was able to achieve these feats owing to her early exposure to the game.

Early life of Nanna Koerstz Madsen

For Madsen, golf is more than just a career—it’s a family tradition. Born on October 23, 1994, in Smørum, Denmark, Madsen was introduced to the sport at a young age, thanks to her parents, Jens and Pia Madsen, who are both avid golfers. Jens plays off a 5-6 handicap, while Pia’s best stands at 13, making golf a shared passion within the family.

Encouraged by her parents, Madsen quickly took to the sport, excelling at junior and amateur levels before transitioning to the professional stage. Her early talent was undeniable, and she further honed her skills by playing college golf at the University of South Carolina. While details about her early life remain limited, her impact on the course speaks volumes.

Over the years, she has faced heartbreaking close finishes but continues to push forward, determined to claim more victories. With 2025 on the horizon, will she secure her second LPGA title? Share your thoughts in the comments below!