Founded in 1950, the LPGA is the highest level of women’s golf in the world. The circuit has 33 tournaments during the season, and like the PGA, the ladies play in major events.
Unlike its male counterparts the LPGA plays five major golf tournaments in three different countries. The first of the majors is the Chevron Championship. Taking place in the spring, it tees of the majors that run until the autumn.
| Month | Tournament | Location | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | Chevron Championship | USA | $7.9m |
| May | U.S. Women’s Open | USA | $12m |
| June | Women’s PGA Championship | USA | $10.4m |
| July | Evian Championship | France | $8m |
| August | Women’s Open | UK | $9.5m |
The Chevron Championship
The Chevron Championship debuted in 1972. In the beginning, it offered the highest prize purse of any LPGA event. However, today it offers the lowest prize fund of the five tournaments at $7.9 million (2024).
Traditionally, this event was held during the last week of March at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. There used to be a special moment at the end of every tournament in which the winning golfer jumped into Popppie’s Pond, the water hazard surrounding the 18th hole which was one of the most unique sports celebrations in the world. This began with Amy Alcott after her victory in 1988.
All changed in 2023 when the tournament switched to an April date at The Club at Carlton Woods in Houston, Texas, when Chevron took over sponsorship from All Nippon Airways. The tournament became an LPGA major in 1983, and today, it remains one of the top golf events for the women’s game.
U.S. Women’s Open
The U.S. Women’s Open is the oldest of the five LPGA major tournaments. The tournament had originally been played in July for much of its existence. However, in recent years, the U.S. Women’s open has been played in late May and early June.
Established in 1942, the tournament brings together the best women’s professional and amateur golfers. The U.S. Women’s Open rotates to a different course each year. The tournament was played at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania in 2024, and alternates between courses around the country.
The 2024 prize fund was set at $12m, which is the highest of the five women’s majors.
Women’s PGA Championship
The Women’s PGA Championship is the second longest running major on the LPGA circuit. Played at the end of June and the beginning of July, the tournament was first held in 1955.
The tournament moves around the country to various golf courses. For several years, the tournament had remained at one golf club for multiple events, before relocating again. However, since 2014, the tournament has been more nomadic and it has changed sites every season.
The tournament’s current prize fund is set at $10.4m. The Women’s PGA Championship is the only LPGA major run by the PGA. Except for one year, 2005, the tournament has always had a staunch rule of professionals only in the tournament.
Evian Championship
The Evian Championship resides at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France. It had previously played every September bringing a close to the LPGA majors but has now switched to July. The tournament wasn’t originally an LPGA major, rather it was one of two Ladies European Tour majors. Started in 1994, the tournament didn’t join the LPGA’s majors list until 2011.
The 2018 event saw the tournament change to a 54-hole event with a $3.85m prize fund. This has now risen to $8m.
Women’s British Open
Currently played in August, the Women’s British Open is the fourth LPGA major on the calendar. The tournament rotates between host sites and in 2024 it was held at St Andrews in Scotland. It was just the third time the tournament has been held at the golf course.
Offering a prize fund of $9.5m, the Women’s British Open tournament was designed to be the ladies’ equivalent to the men’s Open Championship. Despite nearly being ended in the early 1980s due to a lack of interest from major link courses in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the tournament has found its niche. The event’s popularity continues to grow.
Only two players have ever won the Women’s British Open more than once. Taiwan’s Yani Tseng has won the tournament on two occasions. The wins came in back-to-back years (2010, 2011). South Korea’s Jiyai Shin has also won the event twice, winning in 2008 and 2012. Since 2001, South Korean golfers have won six Women’s British Open tournaments.