I was thrilled to see the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship purse increase to $12 million – a powerful statement that resonates far beyond the fairways.
The purse for this year’s event equaled the largest in women’s golf alongside the U.S. Women’s Open – up from $10.4 million in 2023, and a remarkable 180-percent increase since 2020. Sunday’s first-place prize was $1.8 million – a momentous shift in what’s possible for women athletes.
But this isn’t just about dollars – it’s about deliberate, long-term advocacy. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is a blueprint for how corporate partnerships can move the needle for women’s sports in a meaningful, measurable way.
Here is why this matters:
Since its inception in 2015, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has transformed the landscape of women’s golf. Starting with a purse of $3.5 million and visiting championship venues previously unavailable to the women’s game, the event has grown into a true major – on every level.
In just 10 years, the purse has grown from $3.5 million to $12 million – a 243-percent increase. And with this year’s championship at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, the momentum continued. It’s not just about growth in numbers – it’s growth in platform, prestige and purpose.
KPMG, the PGA of America and the LPGA have aligned behind one of the most ambitious, sustained campaigns for equity in sports. They’re not just presenting a championship – they’re redefining the model of corporate advocacy in women’s athletics.
By staging the championship at iconic venues like Baltusrol, Hazeltine National, Congressional and Sahalee, the message is clear – women deserve the stage, the spotlight and the same standard of excellence as men. PGA Frisco in 2025 continued this legacy, showcasing the home of the PGA of America as a proving ground for the game’s best.
KPMG’s investment goes beyond the purse. Through the KPMG Performance Insights platform, they’ve empowered LPGA Tour players with advanced data and analytics tools to help analyze performance, understand trends and drive improvement.
With nearly 100 hours of coverage across NBC, Golf Channel and Peacock, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship brought a major championship spotlight to a broader audience – one that’s hungry for representation, inspiration and excellence.
To KPMG, the PGA of America and the LPGA: Thank you for your leadership. Your commitment to progress is fueling an entire movement. You’re not just increasing purses – you’re increasing possibility.
To fellow corporations: Now is your time. The impact of supporting women’s sports is undeniable – measurable ROI, global audience expansion and a powerful alignment with values that matter.
Let’s continue to elevate the playing field – together.
Suzy Whaley, who competed alongside men in the PGA Tour’s 2003 Greater Hartford Open, was the first female president of the PGA of America (2018-20).
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Top: Stacy Lewis tees off at the KPMG Women's PGA.
Darren Carroll, PGA of America via Getty Images