Women's PGA Championship Prize Money: A Record $13 Million

Women’s golf is making history this week. The 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship prize purse will reach the $13 million mark for the first time—the highest amount ever awarded at a women’s golf tournament. The KPMG Women's PGA Championship will be held from Thursday through Sunday (June 25–28) at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.

Click here for the KPMG Women's PGA Championship live leaderboard.

Ninth Consecutive Increase—A Success Story in Numbers

The record prize money total for the Women’s PGA Championship is no coincidence, but rather the result of a consistent strategy: it marks the ninth consecutive increase since title sponsor KPMG became involved with the tournament in 2015. At that time, the total prize money stood at $3.5 million. Since then, it has risen by more than 271 percent—a trend that is unparalleled in professional sports.

The tournament saw its biggest single jump in 2022, when the prize money doubled in one fell swoop from $4.5 million to $9 million. Last year, $12 million was already awarded. The current $13 million also means that the Women’s PGA has surpassed the U.S. Women’s Open —which awarded $12.5 million at Riviera in early June—and is once again the highest-paying tournament in women’s golf.

“When we started, the prize money was $2 million; now we’re at $13 million,” said Tim Walsh, Chairman and CEO of KPMG USA. “That’s an increase of nearly 500 percent—and I’m incredibly proud to be doing this together with the PGA of America and the LPGA Tour for these amazing athletes.”

Women’s PGA Championship Prize Money as a Driving Force in Women’s Golf

The record prize money at Hazeltine symbolizes a remarkable development that has swept through women’s golf in recent years. Since 2016, prize money at the five majors has more than tripled: from $16.85 million to $52.6 million today—a 212 percent increase. The total prize money for all LPGA tournaments rose from $63 million to $134.45 million during the same period.

Industry observers see KPMG as a key driving force that has put pressure on other sponsors and organizers to follow suit. “Progress is not a milestone for us,” Walsh emphasized. “It’s a commitment to keep raising the bar.” Terry Clark, CEO of the PGA of America, sees this development as a collective effort: “This momentum wouldn’t be possible without believing in the future of this sport.”

A look at the winner’s prize money also reveals just how rapidly growth is advancing. While Brooke Henderson won $525,000 in 2016, Minjee Lee received $1.8 million for her victory last year—more than three times that amount.

Korda Aims for a Hat Trick—and the Hall of Fame

From a sporting perspective, the tournament revolves entirely around one woman: Nelly Korda. The world No. 1 has already won the Chevron Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open this season and thus heads into Hazeltine as the overwhelming favorite. A third consecutive major victory would be a feat last achieved by South Korea’s Inbee Park in 2013—and one that only two players in the history of women’s golf have accomplished.

But there’s even more at stake. With a victory, Korda would complete the Career Grand Slam and simultaneously qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame—the sport’s highest honor. She already won the tournament in 2021, back when the winner’s prize was $675,000. This time, the winner would receive a check for a far more staggering amount.

Interest is correspondingly high. LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler puts it plainly: “We’re witnessing a historic moment right now.” And Walsh adds: “Stars like Nelly are a growth engine for the sport—they boost fan engagement and elevate the entire ecosystem.”

Outlook: Hazeltine and the Grand Stages of Golf

This week, the tournament returns to a venue that holds special significance in the world of golf. Hazeltine National has already hosted the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and the 2016 Ryder Cup. In 2029, the course will become the first in history to host a second Ryder Cup.

In the coming years, the Women’s PGA will continue to feature world-class venues: in 2027, the tournament will be held at the Congressional Country Club, and in 2028 at the legendary Bethpage Black Course—both courses world-renowned for hosting men’s majors.

The Women’s PGA Championship’s $13 million prize purse is thus more than just a number. It’s a statement: women’s golf has long deserved the big stage—and is taking it.