Everything you need to know about the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship as they head to Sahalee Country Club in Washington for the third major of the season
The third Major of the year is nearly upon us as the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship heads back to Sahalee Country Club in Washington after an eight-year hiatus from the venue.
The first two Major Championships of 2024 were won by players who had already claimed one of the five biggest events on the calendar. Will this trend be broken this week? Or will another proven winner claim one of the biggest prizes in the sport?
The tournament was first held in 1955, going through several different names across the following 60 years before settling on its current name – KMPG Women’s PGA Championship in 2015.
The competition has enjoyed somewhat of a revival after the 2015 alliance between the LPGA, PGA of America, and KMPG and the Major is smack bang in the middle of the golfing schedule.
The chance to win a Major Championship plus a $1.5m cheque is not the only incentive for the players, as this week represents the final chance to secure qualification for the Olympic Games in France this summer.
Who won the first two Major Championships of 2024?
The Chevron Championship was held in April at the Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, and it was perhaps no surprise that Nelly Korda claimed her second Major title.
The American had won four of her previous five tournaments in what was a stunning run that stretched from January to April.
She shot all four rounds in the 60s, finishing at 13-under par for the competition, two shots clear of Maja Stark.
Hopes were high that Korda could add the US Women’s Open to her growing list of achievements, but she got off to the worst possible start, shooting a first-round 80 which featured a ten at the par-3 12th, ending her hopes after just one round.
In her place, Yuka Saso stormed to her second US Women’s Open crown, finishing with a final round 68 to end up three shots clear of compatriot Hinako Shibuno.
Where is the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship being played?
Sahalee Country Club is no stranger to playing host to PGA Championships, in both the men’s and women’s games.
Vijay Singh won his first Major Championship at the PGA in 1998 as he claimed a two-stroke victory over Steve Stricker. 18 years later, Brooke Henderson won her maiden Major title after a sudden-death playoff win over Lydia Ko.
The par-72, 6,942-yard layout features tree-lined, narrow fairways and hazards everywhere, suggesting that those who are the most accurate off the tee will have the best chance of winning.
Originally designed by Ted Robinson in 1969, Sahalee was remodeled in 1996 by Rees Jones and has consistently ranked as one of the top 100 courses in America by Golf Digest.
What is the format of the Women’s PGA Championship?
The standard strokeplay format of 72 holes of 18 holes over four days is in place at the Women’s PGA Championship. If two or more players are tied after 72 holes, a playoff will be used to determine the winner.
Who is in the field at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?
The third Major Championship of the year features a stacked field as the very best players on the planet seek to win one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar.
The British contingent will be led by Georgia Hall and Charley Hull, who have both made the cut in the previous two Majors in 2024. Gemma Dryburgh also made the cut in both the US Women’s Open and the Chevron Championship and the Scot will be hoping for a solid showing this week.
No fewer than nine previous champions of the event are in the field, including Nelly Korda, Hannah Green, and Brooke Henderson.
Defending champion Yin Ruoning will be aiming to retain the title she won at Baltusrol in 2023, claiming a one-shot victory over Yuka Saso to win her first Major title. Top 25 finishes in both the Chevron and US Women’s Open suggest that she is in decent form heading into her title defense.
The full field can be found here.
Who will win the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?
Selected odds (correct as of June 15, 9pm)
Nelly Korda 9/2
Atthaya Thitikul 12/1
Minjee Lee 16/1
Jin Young Ko 20/1
Lilia Vu 20/1
Brooke Henderson 25/1
Charley Hull 25/1
How much will the winner of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship receive?
The prize fund has risen dramatically in recent years as the women’s game has reached an all-time high. In 2022, the total purse was $4.5m, rising to $9m last year.
This year, the players will be battling it out for a $10m prize fund, of which the winner will receive $1.5m, not bad for four days at the office.
Who has won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?
Year | Winner | Score | Venue |
2023 | Yin Ruoning | -8 | Baltusrol Golf Club |
2022 | Chun In-Gee | -5 | Congressional Country Club |
2021 | Nelly Korda | -19 | Atlanta Athletic Club |
2020 | Kim Sei-Young | -14 | Aronimink Golf Club |
2019 | Hannah Green | -9 | Hazeltine National Golf Club |
2018 | Park Sung-Hyun | -10 | Kemper Lakes Golf Club |
2017 | Danielle Kang | -13 | Olympia Fields Country Club |
2016 | Brooke Henderson | -6 | Sahalee Country Club |
2015 | Inbee Park | -19 | Westchester Country Club |
2014 | Inbee Park | -11 | Monroe Golf Club |
How to watch the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?
UK viewers can watch the event on Sky Sports Mix.
Thursday 20 June: Sky Sports Mix, 23.00
Friday 21 June: Sky Sports Mix, 23.00
Saturday 22 June: Sky Sports Mix, 19.45
Sunday 23 June: Sky Sports Mix, 19.45
Viewers in the US can watch all the action on the Golf Channel.
All EDT times
Thursday 20 June: Golf Channel, 16.00
Friday 21 June: Golf Channel, 16.00
Saturday 22 June: Golf Channel, 13.00
Sunday 23 June: NBC Golf, 12.00
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Tee times and groups
Tee times and groupings can be viewed here when made available.
SUBSCRIBE TO TODAY’S GOLFER: Print and Digital access, discounts and rewards!
About the Author
Ross Kilvington – Contributing Golf News Writer
Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today’s Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA and LPGA tours along with the LIV Golf Series.
Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of 6 means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little longer.
Despite first picking up a club aged 11, highlights are few and far between on the golf course.
An Eagle on the par-4 16th at Kinghorn is one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards).