The Rising Tide of Prize Money at the Chevron Championship 2025
The 2025 Chevron Championship, one of the cornerstones of the LPGA Tour, is making headlines not just for its competitive spirit, but also for its astonishing prize money. With a staggering $7.9 million purse and a head-turning first-place prize of $1.2 million, this event is truly a celebration of women’s golf.
A Significant Boost in Prize Fund
Prior to the sponsorship takeover by Chevron in 2023, the prize fund lagged dramatically at just $3.1 million. This dramatic increase reflects a broader trend in women’s sports where financial backing is starting to match the talent and dedication on display.
Rewards for All Competitors
It’s not just the winners who walk away with riches. Even those who miss the cut receive a respectable $10,000, ensuring that every participant feels the benefits of this growing financial landscape. Additionally, all players enjoy the luxury of driving courtesy Cadillacs, while past champions take the wheel of a prestigious Bentley—just another perk that adds to the glamour of this major tournament.
A Historic Playoff
In a thrilling climax, Mao Saigo clinched victory by making a birdie on the first playoff hole, outlasting other competitors in what has now become the largest playoff in LPGA major history. The four players tied for second place—Ariya Jutanugarn, Hyo Joo Kim, Ruoning Yin, and Lindy Duncan—each earned a substantial $500,759, showcasing the high stakes of this elite event.
Saigo expressed her ambitious mindset post-victory, stating, “I still have four more majors to go, and I want to shoot for No. 1 in the world. I will do my best in the remaining four majors.” This determination encapsulates the spirit of competitiveness that defines the Chevron Championship.
Breakdown of Prize Money Payouts
Here’s a closer look at the prize money payouts from the 2025 Chevron Championship:
| Position | Player | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mao Saigo | -7 | $1,200,000 |
| P2 | Hyo Joo Kim | -7 | $500,759 |
| P2 | Ariya Jutanugarn | -7 | $500,759 |
| P2 | Ruoning Yin | -7 | $500,759 |
| P2 | Lindy Duncan | -7 | $500,759 |
| T6 | Jin Young Ko | -5 | $231,616 |
| T6 | Sarah Schmelzel | -5 | $231,616 |
| T6 | Haeran Ryu | -5 | $231,616 |
| T9 | Manon De Roey | -4 | $157,690 |
| T9 | Carlota Ciganda | -4 | $157,690 |
| T9 | Hye-Jin Choi | -4 | $157,690 |
| T9 | Yan Liu | -4 | $157,690 |
| 13 | Angel Yin | -3 | $131,356 |
| T14 | Nelly Korda | -2 | $113,336 |
| T14 | Weiwei Zhang | -2 | $113,336 |
| T14 | Minjee Lee | -2 | $113,336 |
| T14 | Lexi Thompson | -2 | $113,336 |
| T18 | Allisen Corpuz | -1 | $90,644 |
| T18 | Esther Henseleit | -1 | $90,644 |
| T18 | Mi Hyang Lee | -1 | $90,644 |
| T24 | Jeeno Thitikul | E | $75,091 |
Conclusion: The Future of Women’s Golf
The Chevron Championship 2025 not only showcases the thrilling competition and remarkable talent of women golfers but also stands as a testament to the growing investment in women’s sports. As sponsors like Chevron step up, we can expect even more competitive prize pools and increased visibility for female athletes, setting the stage for a brighter future in the world of women’s golf.
For more detailed information on the tournament, visit the official LPGA site here.
