Greater Boston, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The LPGA makes its much-anticipated return to Greater Boston with the FM Championship at TPC Boston from August 28 to 31. Featuring a lineup of top players including defending champion Haeran Ryu and local favorites, this tournament not only showcases the growth of women’s golf but also promises significant economic benefits for the region. With increased prize money and corporate sponsorship, the event marks an exciting moment in the history of women’s sports in New England.
Boston — A Homecoming and a Big Week for Women’s Golf
The LPGA is back in town and the buzz is loud. After a long absence from Greater Boston, the FM Championship’s return to TPC Boston has given local fans and national golf followers plenty to talk about. The event, scheduled from August 28 to 31, brings top names, hometown favorites, and a reminder of how much women’s golf has changed.
Big names, hometown faces and a real sense of momentum
The field this year reads like a who’s-who: top-ranked players including Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda will tee it up alongside defending champion Haeran Ryu and runner-up Jin Young Ko. Massachusetts natives Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Brittany Altomare add local flavor and extra reason for fans to fill the stands.
Golf legend Pat Bradley — a winner of 31 LPGA Tour events and six major championships — has been pointing out how different the scene looks now. She highlights the increase in chances for women golfers, the improved quality of playing sites, and the fact that younger players can now compete on courses that used to be off-limits.
From Norton to center stage: TPC Boston’s new role
The tournament marks the first time that the LPGA has returned to TPC Boston in Norton, a course with a long history of hosting PGA events. Last year’s FM Championship drew more than 25,000 fans and gave a peek at LPGA talent on that layout for the first time, creating excitement that carried into this season.
Organizers and local officials are framing the week as an economic and cultural win for the region. The governor of Massachusetts, Daniel J. McKee, publicly noted the tournament’s potential to bring visitors, attention, and business to the area.
Money matters — different numbers, same story of growth
Prize money has been a talking point. One report notes the FM Championship purse increased to $4.1 million from $3.8 million the prior year, showing clear growth in investment for the event. At the same time, other information lists the tournament’s purse at $3.5 million, which is noted as the largest non-major purse on the LPGA Tour. Either way, the headline is that purses are rising and the financial picture for the women’s game is getting stronger.
Sponsors and the future
A Rhode Island-based company, FM Global, has become the lead sponsor under a five-year agreement. That multi-year commitment helps ensure stability for the event in the coming seasons and signals corporate confidence in bringing elite women’s golf to New England.
A historic return for New England
The FM Championship’s presence in the region is also a reminder of history. It’s the first LPGA stop in New England since the 2004 U.S. Women’s Open and the first LPGA event in Greater Boston since 1997. Massachusetts has hosted notable women’s championships in the past, including the U.S. Women’s Opens in 1954 and 1984 and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championships from 1967 to 1974 — so this return adds a new chapter to a long story.
What to watch during the week
- Defending champion Haeran Ryu and runner-up Jin Young Ko — can they repeat or outdo last year’s finishes?
- Top-ranked contenders like Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda — big names who bring star power.
- Local interest in Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Brittany Altomare — hometown support adds drama.
- Course test at TPC Boston — how the layout, once a mostly PGA stop, plays for LPGA pros.
Final take
This week in Boston is more than a tournament. It’s a sign of growth in women’s professional golf — bigger purses, higher-profile venues, and more corporate backing. For fans, it’s a chance to see top players up close and celebrate a sport that’s clearly stepping into a bigger spotlight in New England and beyond.
FAQ
Q1: When and where is the FM Championship taking place?
A: The tournament runs from August 28 to 31 at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts.
Q2: Which top players are expected to compete?
A: Expected competitors include Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda, defending champion Haeran Ryu, runner-up Jin Young Ko, plus Massachusetts natives Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Brittany Altomare.
Q3: What is the prize money for the event?
A: Reports show differing figures: one notes the purse rose to $4.1 million from $3.8 million last year, while other information lists a $3.5 million purse described as the largest outside majors. Both figures point to rising investment in the event.
Q4: Who is sponsoring the tournament?
A: FM Global has signed a five-year agreement to be the lead sponsor of the FM Championship.
Q5: How significant is this event for New England?
A: Very significant — it’s the first LPGA event in New England since the 2004 U.S. Women’s Open and the first LPGA tournament in Greater Boston since 1997, marking a notable return of top-level women’s golf to the region.
Quick Facts Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | FM Championship at TPC Boston (Norton, MA) |
| Dates | August 28–31 |
| Reported Purse | $4.1 million reported increase from $3.8M; other reports list $3.5M as largest non-major purse |
| Lead Sponsor | FM Global (five-year agreement) |
| Top Players | Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu (defending champion), Jin Young Ko (runner-up) |
| Local Competitors | Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, Brittany Altomare |
| Last LPGA in New England | 2004 U.S. Women’s Open |
| Last LPGA in Greater Boston | 1997 |
| Last year’s attendance | Over 25,000 fans |
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Additional Resources
- MassLive Gallery 1
- Wikipedia: LPGA Tour
- MassLive Gallery 2
- Google Search: LPGA Championship 2024
- PBN: FM Global as Lead Sponsor
- Google Scholar: Women’s Golf Growth
- MassLive: Sights & Sounds from LPGA Pro-Am
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women in Sports
- Fosters: Cary’s Fennessy at LPGA
- Google News: Women’s Golf 2024
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
