2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: A Deep Dive into Prize Money Payouts
The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship brought with it not just thrilling golf but an impressive prize purse that highlights the growing recognition of women athletes in the sport. As we dissect the monetary rewards that accompanied this prestigious tournament, let’s explore the vibrant stories behind the numbers.
A Historic Win for Minjee Lee
Minjee Lee, hailing from Australia, achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the third Australian woman to clinch three major championships. Joining the ranks of legends Karrie Webb and Jan Stephenson, Lee showcased her exceptional skills at the challenging Fields Ranch East, securing the title. This victory marked her first in the LPGA since fall 2023, further cementing her status as a powerhouse in women’s golf.
The Turning Point in Lee’s Performance
Lee’s resurgence can be attributed to a significant change in her game strategy. At the onset of the 2023 season, she adopted a long putter, leading to a staggering improvement in her putting performance, jumping from 137th to fifth in the rankings. This change not only elevated her game but also highlighted the importance of adaptability in sports.
The Prize Purse: An Analysis
Earlier in the week, tournament officials announced an increased purse of $12 million, aligning it with the U.S. Women’s Open for the highest prize fund on the tour. To put that into perspective, just four years prior, the total purse for the KPMG Championship was a mere $4.5 million—a striking indication of the evolving landscape of women’s professional golf.
Breakdown of Prize Money Earnings
Lee’s triumphant finish earned her an impressive $1.8 million. This monumental payout reflects her talent and hard work, especially when considering that in 2022, she received the largest paycheck in women’s golf history of the same amount during the U.S. Women’s Open.
Her career earnings now surpass $17 million, elevating her to seventh place on the LPGA’s all-time money list—a testament to her consistency and excellence over the years.
Notable Earnings from Other Competitors
The tournament was not just a victory for Lee; several other players made headlines with their earnings:
- Auston Kim, finishing in a tie for second, pocketed her largest paycheck yet at $944,867—a significant leap from her previous best of $205,279.
- Chanettee Wannasaen, matching Kim’s score, also received $944,867, demonstrating the fierce competition present throughout the tournament.
Prize Money Payouts: The Full Picture
The championship’s prize money was distributed across various positions, showcasing remarkable earnings for the players involved. Here’s a quick look at the payouts:
| Pos. | Name | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minjee Lee | -4 | $1,800,000 |
| T2 | Auston Kim | -1 | $944,867 |
| T2 | Chanettee Wannasaen | -1 | $944,867 |
| 4 | Jeeno Thitikul | 1 | $614,613 |
| 5 | Chisato Iwai | 1 | $494,695 |
| … | … | … | … |
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Women’s Golf
The 2025 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship not only highlighted the incredible talent on display but also underscored the growing financial backing for women in sports. With prize purses rising and recognition increasing, the future of women’s golf looks brighter than ever.
For continued coverage and insights on women’s sports, visit LPGA and stay up-to-date with evolving stories that shape the landscape of professional golf.
