The LPGA’s Critical 2026 Season: Key Players and Questions

The LPGA’s critical 2026 season will be defined by five key factors.
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The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is on the brink of a transformative era, under the leadership of new Commissioner Craig Kessler. With a focus on elevating visibility and marketability, the LPGA is poised for a significant breakthrough moment in 2026.

Craig Kessler’s Vision for the LPGA

Since taking the reins, Kessler has implemented several groundbreaking changes aimed at increasing the LPGA’s appeal. Key initiatives include:

• A new television broadcast agreement ensuring all tournament rounds will be available live on Golf Channel and CNBC.
• The introduction of a tournament sponsored by Golf Saudi, featuring a purse of $4 million.
• Strategic relocation of the Chevron Championship to Houston’s Memorial Park Golf Course and a revised tournament schedule to maximize viewership.

Kessler’s objectives are ambitious, and his early moves signal a determination to elevate women’s golf to new heights. His vision could set the stage for substantial growth in the upcoming season.

Nelly Korda: A Quest for Redemption

After a stunning 2025, where she won seven times, Nelly Korda faced a challenging follow-up season, finishing without a single victory. Korda reflected on her tumultuous year during the CME Group Tour Championship, describing it as a mix of good and frustrating moments.

Despite experiencing a winless season in 2025, Korda remains a crucial figure for the LPGA. Her potential comeback could signify a return to dominance, attracting attention and elevating the profile of women’s golf:

"It’s honestly a fine line… Sometimes you get a wave of good bounces and good breaks, and sometimes you don’t," said Korda.

Whether Korda can regain her winning form will be one of the defining questions of the 2026 season.

Jeeno Thitikul: Following Up on Success

While Korda struggled, Jeeno Thitikul enjoyed a breakout year, winning three tournaments and finishing in the top three eight times. The 22-year-old also captured the Vare Trophy, setting a new record for the lowest scoring average in LPGA history.

However, Thitikul fell just short of winning her first major, with narrowly missed opportunities at both the KPMG Women’s PGA and the Evian Championship. As she enters 2026, the stakes are high for Thitikul to solidify her status as a face of the LPGA.

Charley Hull: Waiting for the Big Breakthrough

Charley Hull’s rising popularity has not yet translated into major championship success. The 29-year-old has eight career wins, three of which are on the LPGA, but has finished as runner-up in four major events.

“I think it’s great that they invited me [to the UK state dinner]. I’ve had a pretty good year,” Hull remarked. As the LPGA seeks stars who can both win and engage fans, Hull’s performance in 2026 will be closely monitored.

Emerging Stars: Lottie Woad and Rose Zhang

The 2025 season also unveiled promising talents like Lottie Woad and Rose Zhang. Woad, a standout amateur, generated buzz by winning the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and capturing the Scottish Open shortly after turning professional.

Zhang, a two-time LPGA champion, faced challenges as she balanced her studies at Stanford with professional commitments. With plans to resume a full-time schedule post-graduation, expect her to make a significant impact as the 2026 season unfolds.

As the LPGA gears up for a pivotal season, focus will be on how these players navigate their personal journeys and contribute to the overarching narrative of growth for women’s golf. Will established stars like Korda and Hull reignite their winning ways, or will new talents like Woad and Zhang emerge as the next big draws? The answers could define the trajectory of the LPGA in the coming years.