Women’s PGA Championship Doubles Prize Fund

The Women’s PGA Championship have announced prize funds increased to US$9 million for this year’s competition.

The rise from organisers saw the prize fund double from last year at the Women’s PGA Championship that took place at Congressional Country Club on 23 June.

Since the 2014 tournament, there has been a 300% increase, from when the prize fund was US$2.25 million.

The winner of this year’s event received US$1.35 million, which doubles the winning fund from last year.

The title sponsor for the event, KPMG, hosted the Women’s Leadership Summit and Future Leaders Programme at the championship.

PGA of America president, Jim Richerson, said: “When the PGA of America partnered with KPMG and the LPGA Tour in 2015, we promised to elevate this event by increasing the purse, conducting it at venues with a history of hosting men’s major championships such as Congressional Country Club, and delivering broadcast network coverage with NBC Sports.”

“As part of our shared commitment to support and showcase women’s golf, we have delivered on those promises,” he said.

LPGA commissioner, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, added: “Doubling the purse from US$4.5 million to US$9 million is another example of KPMG and the PGA of America’s dogged commitment to the LPGA and our athletes.”

“We could not be more grateful for their steadfast leadership in growing the women’s game and providing our athletes and future athletes with opportunities commensurate with their world-class talent.

“This is a very big day for the LPGA, for women’s golf and for women’s sports and we look forward to working with KPMG and the PGA of America to continue to use our platform to empower young women and inspire positive change in the world,” she said.

The move comes after ongoing news from the golf world around the new LIV Golf series and the impact it has had on the PGA Tour.