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LPGA Tour

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LPGA Tour
Current season2024 LPGA Tour
SportGolf
Founded1950
FounderBabe Zaharias, Patty Berg, Mickey Wright
CommissionerMollie Marcoux Samaan
ChampionLydia Ko (2024)
Most champsKathy Whitworth (88 wins)
Related compsLadies European Tour, LPGA of Japan Tour, LPGA of Korea Tour

LPGA Tour. The premier professional golf tour for women, featuring the world's best female golfers competing across a global schedule. Sanctioned by the Ladies Professional Golf Association, it operates the most significant tournaments in women's golf, including five annual major championships. The tour is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, and its commissioner is Mollie Marcoux Samaan.

History

The tour was founded in 1950 by 13 pioneering players, including legends Babe Zaharias, Patty Berg, and Louise Suggs. Its first official season featured a modest schedule of events, with the U.S. Women's Open, then operated by the United States Golf Association, serving as a cornerstone. Early stars like Mickey Wright and Kathy Whitworth built its competitive reputation through the 1960s. A significant organizational merger occurred in 1975 when the LPGA (teaching division) and the Women's Professional Golfers (tour players) unified under the LPGA banner. Landmark growth came with increased television contracts in the 1980s and 1990s, propelled by the popularity of players such as Nancy Lopez and Annika Sörenstam. The modern era has seen further globalization under commissioners like Mike Whan and expansion into markets across Asia and Europe.

Structure and schedule

The season typically runs from January to November, comprising over 30 official events. The schedule is truly international, with tournaments held in the United States, Thailand, Singapore, Scotland, France, and Canada. The competitive calendar is built around the five major championships, with other events categorized as official LPGA tournaments. The season concludes with the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, which features a season-long points race called the Race to the CME Globe. Qualification for the tour is primarily achieved through the LPGA Q-School, while performance on the Epson Tour (the official developmental tour) also grants access. The tour's operations and rules are governed by the LPGA headquarters, with oversight from the United States Golf Association and The R&A on matters of the Rules of Golf.

Tournaments and majors

The tour sanctions five major championships, which are the most prestigious and highest-paying events. These are the Chevron Championship (formerly the ANA Inspiration), the U.S. Women's Open, the Women's PGA Championship (conducted by the PGA of America), The Evian Championship (held in France), and the Women's British Open (rotated among courses like Muirfield and Carnoustie). Other significant annual events include the Solheim Cup, a biennial team competition between the United States and Europe, and the UL International Crown, a team event for countries. Iconic tournament venues have included Mission Hills Country Club, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and St Andrews Links.

Players and membership

Membership categories include full status, conditional status, and honorary membership. The tour has been historically dominated by American players like Betsy Rawls, Juli Inkster, and Stacy Lewis. Since the 2000s, international stars have risen to prominence, including South Koreans Se Ri Pak, Inbee Park, and Jin Young Ko, as well as players from Thailand like Ariya Jutanugarn and Atthaya Thitikul. Contemporary leading figures include Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko of New Zealand, and Lilia Vu. Legends of the game are honored in the World Golf Hall of Fame, which includes many LPGA members. The tour also maintains a Legends Tour for eligible players over the age of 45.

Records and awards

The all-time record for most victories is held by Kathy Whitworth with 88 official wins. Mickey Wright holds the record for most major championship wins with 13. The annual awards include the Rolex Player of the Year, the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average, and the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award. The money list title is awarded to the player with the highest season earnings, with historic milestones like Annika Sörenstam being the first to break the $2 million and $3 million single-season marks. The tour also recognizes the Patty Berg Award for outstanding contributions to women's golf.

Economic impact and media coverage

Purse sizes have grown significantly, with major championships now offering several million dollars, led by the U.S. Women's Open. Total season prize money exceeds $100 million. Primary television partners in the United States include NBC (and its Golf Channel), CBS Sports, and ESPN. International broadcast rights are sold globally, with significant coverage in South Korea and Japan. Key corporate sponsors that underwrite events and the season-long race include CME Group, Rolex, and KPMG. The tour's growth has positively impacted host communities, charities, and the broader visibility of women's professional sports, inspiring initiatives like the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program.

Category:Golf tours Category:Women's professional sports leagues in the United States Category:Sports organizations established in 1950