Amy Yang emerged as the winner of the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington, claiming her first major championship title and a whopping $1.56 million in prize money. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, accounting for more than 10 percent of her total earnings from six career victories. The tournament also saw a three-way tie for second place, with players Lilia Vu, Jin Young Ko, and Miyu Yamashita each taking home $587,543 in earnings. In total, the event boasted a record $10.4 million purse, with 23 golfers earning more than $100,000 and all players in the field receiving at least $4,000, including those who missed the cut.
The breakdown of the prize money distribution for the top finishers at the tournament showcased the impressive rewards on offer for professional women golfers. Among the top earners in addition to Yang were Ally Ewing and Lauren Hartlage, who tied for fifth place with $378,446 each, and Mao Saigo and Hinako Shibuno, who tied for seventh with $267,436 each. The top ten finishers included players like Linn Grant, Hae Ran Ryu, Caroline Inglis, Lexi Thompson, and Sarah Schmelzel, each receiving $192,046 for their efforts. Notable names like Esther Henseleit, Gaby Lopez, Hyo Joo Kim, and Charley Hull also earned significant prize money for their performances.
The distribution of earnings continued down the leaderboard, where players like Ayaka Furue, Allisen Corpuz, Celine Boutier, Brooke M. Henderson, and others earned between $105,966 and $150,871 for their respective finishes. Other top players such as Hannah Green, Ruoning Yin, Minjee Lee, Lauren Coughlin, Patty Tavatanakit, and Leona Maguire fell within the earnings bracket of $91,079. The payout structure extended to feature a range of earnings for all participants, with each player taking home a minimum of $4,000 regardless of their performance. This inclusivity ensured that every golfer had the opportunity to earn a share of the substantial prize pool.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship not only highlighted the competitive prowess of players like Amy Yang but also underscored the growing significance and financial rewards for women in professional golf. The record purse of $10.4 million showcased the substantial investment and support for women’s golf tournaments, providing a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The event’s success in attracting a diverse field of players and rewarding their performances with significant prize money serves as a testament to the increasing popularity and growth of women’s golf on the global stage. As players continue to excel and make their mark in prestigious tournaments like the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the future looks bright for the sport and its dedicated professionals, further elevating the profile and opportunities for women in golf.
