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Category: Ladies Tours
Just a few weeks ago, Korda seemed nearly unbeatable. Four consecutive victories at the start of the 2025 season left little doubt that this year could be hers. But following an early exit at the Mizuho Americas Open and a missed opportunity at the U.S. Women’s Open in Erin Hills, the American superstar appears to have lost some momentum. Now, the third Major of the year awaits — and Korda is not at full strength.
On Tuesday, she had to skip the traditional Champions Dinner due to an acute neck cramp. “I’ve been playing in constant pain,” she told the media. While regular physical therapy is helping, she admitted she’s still not completely pain-free.
Fighting despite injury: Korda remains a top candidate
Despite her physical issues, Korda remains one of the favorites. With 15 LPGA Tour titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a Major win at the PGA Championship in 2021, the 26-year-old brings both talent and experience to the field. While she hasn’t won in 2025 yet, she has recorded four Top 10 finishes in nine starts, and she continues to hold the No. 1 spot in the world rankings.
“It just makes you hungrier,” Korda said of her Open heartache. “For me, I hate making mistakes; obviously I love winning. You don’t get to win often, but there’s nothing like it being in contention, so I think that’s kind of what makes me hungrier to come back and to work harder and put myself into that position.”
Reflecting on her runner-up finish at the U.S. Women’s Open, she added: “I was in the hunt, I was right there. That’s a good thing. You can look at it negatively, but a few weeks later, I can also use it as motivation. Hopefully, it makes me hungrier.”
Statistically, Korda was among the best at the U.S. Open in both Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and Approach. It was mainly her putting that kept her from lifting the trophy.
Another positive: Her older sister Jessica Korda is returning to competition after a long injury break. In tough moments, that family support seems especially meaningful.
Heat and Competition Add to the Challenge
In addition to her physical struggles, extreme heat will be a major factor at Sahalee Country Club, with temperatures expected to reach around 35°C during the tournament days — making both endurance and course strategy crucial.
The field is stacked, too: Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson, Minjee Lee, Rose Zhang, and Sweden’s Maja Stark — whom Korda narrowly beat at the U.S. Open — are all heading into the Major with title ambitions. Revenge could be on the cards.
The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on the LPGA Tour is making headlines with a significant prize money increase. With a total purse of 12 million U.S. dollars, the tournament now stands alongside the U.S. Women’s Open as the most lucrative event on the LPGA Tour calendar. The winner will receive a prize of 1.8 million U.S. dollars.
LPGA Tour: Record Purse Marks a Milestone for Women’s Golf
Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 1.6 million dollars – the total purse in 2024 was 10.4 million. KPMG CEO Paul Knopp emphasized the strategic significance of this development in an official statement: “We are incredibly proud to make this happen. It reflects our commitment to setting a standard of excellence in women’s golf. Prize money plays a central role in that. For us, this is a long-term strategy to support success. We continue to stage the tournament at iconic venues that earn recognition in the golf world year after year. We’re excited about the path we’ve chosen,” said Knopp.
Prize Money Growth Across the LPGA Tour
This increase is part of a broader upward trend on the LPGA Tour. Over the past years, total prize money has steadily climbed; in 2025 it reaches approximately 132.6 million U.S. dollars – a record amount. Other majors like the Chevron Championship (8 million USD) and the AIG Women’s Open (9.5 million USD) have also seen notable growth. The U.S. Women’s Open most recently offered 12 million dollars in total, with 2.4 million awarded to the winner, also a record.
For the first time, the tournament will be played at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas. The modern course is part of the new PGA of America headquarters and is intended to become a long-term host for major championships. In addition to being a sporting highlight, Frisco offers the infrastructure to stage a globally prominent event.
Beyond the increased purse, this year’s edition features extensive media coverage. Over 100 hours of live broadcasts, including featured groups and real-time statistics, will be aired on NBC, Golf Channel, and the streaming platform Peacock. A special highlight is the use of AI-based tools providing detailed game analysis for players and viewers alike.
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Craig Kessler as the organization’s 10th Commissioner.
The appointment comes during the LPGA’s landmark 75th anniversary season, marking a pivotal moment of global growth and opportunity for one of the most enduring and respected leaders in women’s professional sports worldwide.
Craig Kessler becomes 10th LPGA Commissioner
Kessler was selected following a rigorous and comprehensive global search, led by the LPGA Board’s Search Committee and shaped by input from LPGA Tour athletes, partners, staff and key stakeholders.
“We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA’s legacy and a clear vision of what’s possible for our future,” said John B. Veihmeyer, Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors. “Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf. The LPGA has never been more dynamic – and Craig is exactly the right leader to drive its next era of growth and impact.”
Kessler brings a broad and impressive range of experiences across sports, business, private equity and entrepreneurship. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America, where he oversaw all operations of the 30,000-member organization, including its non-profit foundation. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Buff City Soap, a fast-growing experiential retail company that expanded from 100 to 260 stores under his leadership. Earlier in his career, Kessler also served as Chief Operating Officer at Topgolf, where he helped scale the company’s groundbreaking blend of sports, entertainment and technology.
In addition to his executive roles, Kessler brings board-level experience with the National Golf Foundation, UT Southwestern hospital system, and the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Board. He began his career at McKinsey & Company and went on to leadership positions at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Providence Equity Partners. His track record includes evaluating investments and working alongside management teams to improve company performance – skills he now brings to one of the world’s premier women’s sports organizations.
“The LPGA stands at the intersection of world-class competition and global impact,” said Kessler, incoming LPGA Commissioner. “From young girls who are picking up a club for the first time, to the LPGA Professionals helping teach this great game to people around the world, to the incredible athletes competing on Tour—the LPGA is driving the future of golf. I’m honored to join this powerful movement and eager to help build what comes next—together.”
“This isn’t just about leading a sports organization – it’s about redefining what’s possible,” Kessler added. “This role is deeply personal to me – not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others. Golf changes lives. I believe in the LPGA’s mission, its members and its momentum. I can’t wait to get started.”
Kessler will officially step into the role on July 15, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped down in January 2025. Liz Moore will continue as Interim Commissioner until that time. Veihmeyer added, “Liz has done an exceptional job in the interim role, and we look forward to the many important contributions she will continue to make to the LPGA in the future.”
(Text provided by LPGA)
The LPGA Tour has canceled the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship (March 20-23) at Palos Verdes Golf Club near Los Angeles, the sixth tournament on the circuit, which kicks off the season this week with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. According to an LPGA statement, a business partner had not met its obligations and had not made the payments for 2024 and 2025. The cancellation of the tournament, which is hosted by five-time Korean major winner Seri Pak, was therefore unavoidable.
It remains unclear whether the sponsor refers to the main sponsor Fir Hills. The Silicon Valley investment firm signed a multi-year contract with the LPGA at the beginning of last year to sponsor the tournament. However, it is revealing that interim commissioner Liz Moore apologized to the players and fans and thanked the club and the organizer, but did not mention Fir Hills at all. The LPGA is currently looking to host the tournament in the fall, where Nelly Korda is the defending champion.
Mollie Marcoux Samaan will step down as Commissioner of the LPGA Tour effective January 9, 2025. Liz Moore will assume interim leadership in the coming weeks, while a global search is conducted for a permanent successor.
The Marcoux Samaan Era: Growth and Transformation
Since taking office in 2021, Marcoux Samaan has left an indelible mark on the LPGA Tour. Under her leadership, prize money surged by 90%, with a record $131 million set to be distributed across 33 tournaments in 2025. Players benefited from unprecedented enhancements, including missed-cut stipends, health benefits, and travel subsidies—a first in the history of the LPGA Tour.
“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement. Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game,” stated LPGA Board Chair John B. Veihmeyer.
The tour also saw worldwide growth in viewership and set records for fan engagement. In her resignation statement, Marcoux Samaan emphasized the importance of her tenure: “In this role, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable community of athletes, teachers, partners, tournament operators, industry colleagues, media, fans, volunteers, and staff who share a deep commitment to growing the LPGA and using the organization’s unique platform to empower and advance women and girls.”
Challenges in a Complex Sporting Landscape
Despite economic success, Marcoux Samaan’s tenure faced notable challenges. The LPGA Tour contended with issues surrounding transparency and operational shortcomings. A key example was the 2024 Solheim Cup, where insufficient spectator transport planning led to logistical setbacks.
Sponsorship relationships and limited live television coverage also became focal points of critique. The absence of long-term TV contracts and reliance on other tours hindered broader audience accessibility, sparking ongoing discussions about the LPGA Tour’s visibility.
Liz Moore Steps In: Transitioning to the Future
Liz Moore, a seasoned executive with over a decade at the LPGA, will take on the role of interim Commissioner. Having spearheaded major projects such as the tour’s digital transformation, Moore brings a strong blend of legal and technological expertise, along with deep operational knowledge of the LPGA’s strategic framework.
Her primary objective will be to ensure a smooth transition and prepare the tour for the upcoming season. The 2025 schedule begins with a record-setting $131 million in prize money across 33 official events—an enduring testament to Marcoux Samaan’s growth-oriented vision.
(This article draws on materials provided by LPGA Communications.)
The LPGA Tour Tee Times for the CME Group Tour Championship are set in Naples, Florida. This event, hosted at the Tiburón Golf Club on the Gold Course, features a par of 72 and a prize purse of $11,000,000. Last year’s winner was Amy Yang.
LPGA Tour Tee Times for American Players
Nelly Korda is teaming up with Haeran Ryu from South Korea. The first round tee time is at 12:35 PM. No second round tee time has been set yet.
Lexi Thompson will start her round with Pajaree Anannarukarn from Thailand at 08:35 AM.
Rose Zhang partners with Jin Hee Im of South Korea starting at 10:55 AM.
Megan Khang is scheduled to tee off with fellow American Jennifer Kupcho at 10:45 AM.
Ally Ewing joins forces with Canadian Brooke Mackenzie Henderson. Their group takes the course at 11:35 AM.
| Round | Time | Player | Nationality | Co-Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 08:35 | Lexi Thompson | USA | Pajaree Anannarukarn | THA |
| 1 | 10:45 | Megan Khang | USA | Jennifer Kupcho | USA |
| 1 | 10:55 | Rose Zhang | USA | Jin Hee Im | KOR |
| 1 | 11:35 | Ally Ewing | USA | Brooke Mackenzie Henderson | CAN |
| 1 | 12:35 | Nelly Korda | USA | Haeran Ryu | KOR |
The CME Group Tour Championship will be held at the Tiburón Golf Club, Gold Course in Naples, Florida. This prestigious event is part of the LPGA Tour and carries a significant prize purse of $11,000,000. The course is set at par 72, and the current defending champion is Amy Yang.
LPGA Tour Tee Times
Charley Hull from England will participate in the tournament. Hull’s first-round tee time is scheduled at 09:55 alongside Sarah Schmelzel from the USA. The second round does not have a specified time yet.
| Round | Tee Time | Player 1 Name | Player 1 Nationality | Player 2 Name | Player 2 Nationality | Player 3 Name | Player 3 Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 09:55 | Charley Hull | ENG | Sarah Schmelzel | USA |
Happy ending: Nelly Korda’s 2024 season ends with two major honours. Firstly, the 26-year-old was voted Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour after six victories. Secondly, and this is a very special honour, the world number one is part of the line-up of stars and models for the upcoming issue of ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’. The special edition of the sports magazine is by no means just a particularly nicely presented swimwear catalogue: The appointment for ‘SI Swimsuit’, which already has almost iconic status, is tantamount to an accolade in terms of stardom. Sports stars such as Steffi Graf (1997), Serena Williams (2003), Lindsey Vonn (2010) and Simone Biles (2017) have all been photographed for the special edition. Nelly Korda is the first female golfer to appear in the magazine.
Written by Michael Basche
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Nelly Korda Suffers Practice Injury
World number one Nelly Korda has suffered a minor neck injury in training. The 26-year-old announced this in a tweet. In it, she also informed her fans that she would not be able to compete in the LPGA tournaments in Korea and Malaysia.
Hey everyone, I wanted to share an update regarding my upcoming schedule. Unfortunately, I've had to withdraw from the LPGA events in Korea and Malaysia due to a minor neck injury I sustained while practicing.
— Nelly Korda (@NellyKorda) October 14, 2024
I’m disappointed to miss these events and am especially sorry to my…
Korda was sad about the situation, but also grateful for the support: “I’m disappointed to miss these events and am especially sorry to my fans who were looking forward to seeing me play.[…]Thank you for all your support—it truly means the world to me!”
Nelly Korda’s return uncertain
Korda has not announced where and when she will return. After the BMW Ladies Championship in Korea and the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, there are two more LPGA events in Asia before returning to the USA for the last two tournaments.