The Thrilling KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: A Detailed Analysis
FRISCO, Texas — The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, hosted at the cutting-edge Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco, delivered a gripping display of competitive golf this past week. Reigning U.S. Women’s Open champion, Maja Stark, became part of a narrative of frustration and determination when her tournament ended on a sour note. After struggling through a six-over final round, Stark’s emotional farewell included a memorable moment as she smashed her putter against her golf bag. As she walked off the 15th green, even the most seasoned players felt the weight of the challenging course conditions.
The championship week epitomized the highs and lows that can emerge in major tournaments. Stark’s dramatic exit was just one incident among a number of players who found themselves grappling with the demanding layout of Gil Hanse’s design. Despite the challenges, the tournament witnessed Minjee Lee secure her third major title, reminding fans and competitors alike of her formidable talent. Unfortunately, conversations surrounding the course setup and perceived unfairness began to overshadow Lee’s victory.
Among the notable critiques, KPMG ambassador Stacey Lewis spoke candidly to Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols, raising concerns about the fairness of the course setup. Other competitors echoed her sentiments, expressing that certain hole locations bordered on being “impossible” to navigate. In a particularly windy climax to the tournament, players described the conditions as “brutal” and “crazy,” highlighting the challenges that accompanied the beautiful yet fierce Texas environment.
As player frustrations built, the week’s scoring average soared to 75.6, establishing itself as the highest among LPGA majors since the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open. Testimony to the challenging layout, players were instructed to adopt a strategic approach, controlling their shots with precision to stay competitive. The combination of fast, firm greens and gusting winds made the championship an exhilarating test of skill and endurance.
While player complaints dominated the narrative, it’s crucial to understand that Fields Ranch East effectively served its primary function: testing the world’s best golfers. The design of the course facilitated a clear ranking among competitors, allowing the cream to rise to the top. Heading into the final round, only Minjee Lee and world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul were under par, emphasizing how strategic execution can separate elite players from the rest.
The par-3 eighth hole became a microcosm of the challenges presented throughout the tournament. Onlookers noted the difficulty of holding the green marked by tricky hole locations. However, Lee and Thitikul expertly executed their shots, successfully landing them on the green while others faltered, reminding everyone of the fine line between success and failure at this level of play.
As the week unfolded, players began to express their appreciation for challenging conditions. World No. 10 Angel Yin articulated a sentiment that resonates with many: the joy found in overcoming adversity. The notion that difficult conditions could be "fun" resonated with players like major champion Ruoning Yin, who noted that tough tests make competitors better. Facing the pressure fuels growth in both skills and mental acuity, which are vital in the sport.
Leona Maguire compared the PGA Frisco challenge to what many expected at the U.S. Women’s Open held at Erin Hills. Despite varying conditions, players could find camaraderie in battling against a tough golf course—a commitment highlighted by their enthusiasm for tackling the nuanced demands of a major event. Lee, who emerged victorious amid adversity, remarked that the challenging conditions made the experience all the more rewarding.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship invited players to assess their skills, test their limits, and ultimately respond to the nuances of competitive golf. Similar to the U.S. Open held days earlier at Oakmont Country Club, the PGA Frisco captured the essence of what it means to excel under pressure. With Hanse’s careful design demanding discipline, control, and laser focus, the course punished any missteps, ensuring that only those who fully embraced the test could rise to the occasion.
While fans may raise questions about course aesthetics and pacing issues, the primary objective of a major championship remains intact: to recognize the player who successfully manages the challenges. With Minjee Lee clinching her victory three shots clear of her nearest competitor, the event fulfilled this objective brilliantly. As we look ahead, it’s essential for the venue to refine certain aspects before the 2027 PGA Championship, ensuring each future tournament becomes an even more memorable event in the series.
As we celebrate the triumphs and challenges witnessed at this year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, one undeniable truth emerges: golf is a sport that rewards resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment. The lessons learned on Fields Ranch East will reverberate throughout the LPGA tour, reminding everyone why we love this beautiful yet relentless game.
