The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Premier Golf Circuit
Discover the LPGA Tour: the pinnacle of women’s professional golf. Explore legendary players, historic majors, iconic venues, and modern stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko.
Introduction
The LPGA Tour is the pinnacle of women’s professional golf, bringing together the best female players from around the world across a series of elite tournaments. Since its founding in 1950, the LPGA Tour has become a global symbol of excellence, trailblazing talent, and historic milestones. This guide dives into the tour’s legacy, tournament structure, major championships, iconic venues, and the players who continue to elevate the sport.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the LPGA Tour
Origins and Early Development
The Ladies Professional Golf Association was founded in 1950 by 13 pioneering women. It became the first professional sports organization for women in the U.S., and its tour quickly grew to include international players and sponsors.
Key Milestones in LPGA Tour History
- 1950: LPGA founded by 13 women, including Babe Zaharias and Patty Berg.
- 1979: Nancy Lopez becomes the first player to win five tournaments in a row.
- 1998: Se Ri Pak wins two majors, igniting a South Korean wave in women’s golf.
- 2013: Inbee Park holds three major titles simultaneously.
- 2022: Lydia Ko wins the CME Globe and reclaims world No.1.
- 2024: Nelly Korda wins five consecutive events in a dominant season.
Understanding the Format of the LPGA Tour
Number of Tournaments and Global Reach
The LPGA Tour features approximately 30+ events annually across North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. It also includes developmental circuits and allied tours
- Epson Tour – The LPGA’s official developmental tour.
- LET (Ladies European Tour) – Partnered with the LPGA to grow global women’s golf.
- JLPGA, KLPGA, CLPGA – Regional circuits that contribute international talent.
Major Championships
The LPGA’s five majors form the core of its competitive structur
- The Chevron Championship (April)
- KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (June)
- U.S. Women’s Open (June)
- Amundi Evian Championship (July)
- AIG Women’s Open (August)
🏌️♀️ GOAT Tour Hub
Regular Season Events
Each season includes a mix of classic tournaments and modern showdowns, with players competing for prize money, Rolex Rankings points, and Race to the CME Globe points
The Race to the CME Globe
This season-long points race determines the top 60 players who qualify for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, with a $2 million first-place prize.
The Legendary Courses of the LPGA Tour
Iconic Venues
- Pebble Beach Golf Links – Host of the U.S. Women’s Open.
- The Club at Carlton Woods – Home of The Chevron Championship.
- Walton Heath Golf Club – Historic host of the AIG Women’s Open.
- Atlanta Athletic Club – Venue of past Women’s PGA Championships.
- Evian Resort Golf Club – Scenic setting for the Amundi Evian Championship.
Unforgettable Highlights in LPGA Tour History
Historic Moments
- Annika Sörenstam’s 10-win season in 2002.
- Lorena Ochoa’s 158-week reign as world No.1.
- Se Ri Pak’s 1998 U.S. Women’s Open playoff win.
- Inbee Park’s career grand slam.
- Nelly Korda’s 2024 win streak and Olympic gold.
🏆 Champions of the Last Five Years (Race to the CME Globe)
- 2024: Nelly Korda
- 2023: Lilia Vu
- 2022: Lydia Ko
- 2021: Jin Young Ko
- 2020: Sei Young Kim
Icons of the LPGA Tour
Multiple-Time Winners
- Annika Sörenstam – 72 LPGA wins, 10 majors.
- Karrie Webb – 41 LPGA wins.
- Lorena Ochoa – 27 LPGA wins in 8 years.
- Inbee Park – 21 LPGA wins, career grand slam.
- Lydia Ko – Youngest world No.1 in history.
Traditions & Trophies That Define the LPGA
Major Championship Honors
- Dinah Shore Trophy – Awarded at The Chevron Championship.
- Wanamaker Trophy – KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
- Harton S. Semple Trophy – U.S. Women’s Open.
- Evian Championship Trophy – Prestigious title with stunning views.
- Women’s British Open Trophy – AIG Women’s Open’s historic prize.
Record-Breaking Moments & Fascinating Facts
- Lowest Round: 61 by multiple players.
- Youngest Major Winner: Lydia Ko at 18.
- Oldest Winner: Beth Daniel at 46.
- Most Wins in a Season: 13 (Mickey Wright, 1963).
- Most Career Wins: Kathy Whitworth (88).
Why the LPGA Tour Matters
The LPGA Tour is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of diversity, determination, and global excellence in sport. It shapes champions, empowers generations of young girls, and continually redefines what greatness looks like in golf.
