LPGA Unveils Exciting 2026 Season Schedule: A New Era for Women’s Golf
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is poised for a transformative 2026 season, as the full tournament schedule was revealed on Wednesday. This announcement comes alongside a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing the visibility of women’s golf. For the first time, every round of every tournament will be broadcast live in the United States, significantly increasing access to this highly competitive sport.
New Leadership, New Vision
Under the dynamic leadership of LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler, the tour is set to elevate women’s golf to soaring new heights. Kessler has outlined a robust vision that prioritizes player recognition and financial growth. The 2026 schedule boasts a record purse of $132 million across 33 events, showcasing an increase in financial incentives, with non-major tournaments offering a staggering $82 million.
Major Tournaments and Their Purses
Highlighting the major events, the U.S. Women’s Open, set to take place at the prestigious Riviera Country Club, and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine, each feature a remarkable $12 million purse. These tournaments serve as premier showcases for the talent and determination of women golfers. Meanwhile, the FM Championship at TPC Boston and the newly established Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek will present substantial non-major purses, adding excitement to the line-up.
Key Changes to Major Tournament Venues
The 2026 season will kick off with the Chevron Championship in late April. Known historically for its venue at The Club at Carlton Woods, the tournament is reported to shift to the Memorial Park Golf Course. This transition aligns the LPGA’s schedule with other prestigious golfing events and reflects Kessler’s commitment to innovation in tournament management. Other noteworthy venues include the acclaimed Riviera Country Club and Hazeltine National Golf Club, both of which are critical highlights in the women’s golf calendar.
International Expansion
As the LPGA continues to expand its global footprint, 2026 will feature pivotal stops not only in the United States but also internationally. After events in Portland, Canada, and Boston, the tour will head to the Netherlands for the prestigious 2026 Solheim Cup at Bernardus Golf. This international presence underscores the LPGA’s mission to foster global engagement and showcase the sport’s finest talent.
Comprehensive Coverage and Accessibility
The newfound partnership promises to enhance viewer engagement by providing comprehensive coverage of all rounds via Golf Channel, with selected weekend rounds aired on CNBC. This major shift signifies an intensified focus on promoting women’s golf, ensuring that it receives the recognition it rightfully deserves on a national platform.
2026 LPGA Tour Tournament Schedule
Fans eager to mark their calendars can anticipate an exciting array of events in 2026. Commencing with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions from January 29 to February 1 at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, the tournament will feature a purse of $2.1 million. Other key events include the Honda LPGA Thailand and HSBC Women’s World Championship, which continue to draw international attention.
Full Tournament Schedule Overview
- Jan 29-Feb 1: Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, Orlando, FL – $2.1M
- Feb 19-22: Honda LPGA Thailand, Pattaya, Thailand – $1.8M
- Feb 26-Mar 1: HSBC Women’s World Championship, Singapore – $3M
- Mar 5-8: Blue Bay LPGA, Hainan Island, China – $2.6M
- Mar 19-22: Fortinet Founders Cup, Menlo Park, CA – $3M
- Mar 26-29: Ford Championship, Arizona – $2.25M
- Apr 2-5: Aramco Championship, Las Vegas, NV – $4M
- Apr 16-19: JM Eagle LA Championship, Los Angeles, CA – $3.75M
- Apr 23-26: Chevron Championship, Houston, TX – $8M
- May 7-10: Mizuho Americas Open, Jersey City, NJ – $3.25M
Continuing through the year, the schedule will highlight various important events including the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open and the AIG Women’s Open, which are cornerstones for the LPGA tour.
Increasing Engagement with Fans
The strategic decisions being made are not just about increasing purses and visibility; they aim to enrich the fan experience. By ensuring every round is broadcast live, the LPGA is making significant strides to captivate a diverse audience. The potential for increased sponsorships and partnerships further extends into various markets, helping to stabilize and grow the financial landscape for the tour.
The Future of Women’s Golf
As the 2026 season approaches, optimism surrounds the LPGA’s future. With enhanced visibility, substantial purses, and engaging venues, the tour is on the brink of a new era that promises to elevate the profile of women’s golf globally. Players and fans alike will experience a season filled with excitement, commitment, and competition.
In conclusion, women’s golf is experiencing an exciting transformation. The LPGA’s 2026 schedule heralds a promising future, showcasing the talent of women golfers and fostering greater appreciation for the sport. The combination of innovative strategies and strong leadership positions the LPGA to further change the landscape of women’s professional golf, setting the stage for remarkable achievements in years to come.
