The LPGA Tour is gearing up for an exciting phase in its schedule with three major championships set to take place over the next six weeks. The action kicks off Thursday with the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, hosted at Fields Ranch East in Frisco, Texas. South Korea’s Amy Yang enters the tournament as the defending champion.
This championship marks the final major event to be held in the U.S. this season, ahead of the Amundi Evian Championship in France, scheduled for July 10-13, and the AIG Women’s Open in Wales from July 31 to August 3.
Among the storylines to watch, world No. 1 Nelly Korda aims to break her winless streak. Last year, Korda enjoyed a stellar season with six victories by the time she competed in this championship, including her second major win at the Chevron Championship. However, the 2024 season has seen her still in search of her first title, although she has remained competitive, finishing in the top 10 in four of her nine starts and securing a tie for second at last month’s U.S. Women’s Open.
“It’s just golf. You kind of just have to ride the wave,” Korda noted, recognizing the increasingly fierce competition on the tour. With no repeat winners in the first 15 events of the season, Korda is eager to reclaim her winning form, stating that the feeling of being in contention fuels her drive to succeed.
Meanwhile, Jeeno Thitikul, current world No. 2, aims for her first major championship victory. Overcoming adversity, she’s secured wins in both the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour this season, establishing herself as a formidable competitor. Thitikul’s impressive consistency places her in a strong position as she chases the elusive title, closely trailing Korda in world ranking points.
This year’s Women’s PGA Championship unfolds at a new venue for the tournament, with Fields Ranch East hosting its first major championship. The course, which has previously welcomed the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, is designed to challenge the players due to its layout and potential weather conditions. Lydia Ko, a three-time major champion, commented on the course conditions and the strategy required to navigate its challenges effectively.
At just 28 years old, Ko, a 23-time LPGA Tour winner, is setting her sights on surpassing Annika Sorenstam’s career earnings of approximately $22.6 million. Ko expressed pride in her own achievements while recognizing the different era of women’s golf she competes in, emphasizing the collective responsibility to elevate the women’s game for future generations.
Finally, the emotional victories on the tour resonate beyond the individual achievements, as illustrated by Maja Stark, who celebrated J.J. Spaun’s recent U.S. Open win as a testament to resilience in the sport, highlighting the camaraderie and shared experiences among players.
With the competition heating up and numerous storylines to follow, this championship promises to deliver thrilling golf, showcasing the best talents in women’s golf as they strive for glory.