, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The LPGA is experiencing a significant surge in attendance and prize money, with a record number of events scheduled for 2025. With fan engagement at an all-time high, the tour is benefiting from a broader cultural focus on women’s sports, thanks to rising stars in other athletic arenas. As the LPGA attracts international talent and strives to enhance broadcast quality, it aims to convert newfound interest into long-lasting fan support, highlighting players who are on the cusp of becoming household names.
DES MOINES — LPGA Riding a Wave as Women’s Sports Boom Gets a New Push
Big crowds, bigger purses, and a cross-sport spark
The LPGA is feeling the buzz. After years of steady growth, this season looks louder and more crowded than ever. Fans are turning up in force — more than 25,000 came out for last year’s FM Championship — and the money on offer is climbing, too. The purse for this year’s FM Championship rose to $4.1 million, up from $3.8 million in 2024, and the tour’s total prize pool has grown to over $131 million for 2025.
Outside the ropes, a cultural moment in sports is helping. A rising basketball star’s huge fan pull and media attention has made broadcasters and advertisers take another look at women’s sports as a whole. That ripple effect is pushing networks to invest more in coverage and giving women’s leagues — including the LPGA — a chance to reach casual fans who might not have been watching before.
Stars to know and why the Tour matters
The LPGA roster now reads like an international showcase. Established names and rising talents from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and beyond compete side by side. Big profiles on the LPGA this year include players such as Megan Khang, Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu, Jin Young Ko, and Jeeno Thitikul. A long-time champion now joining the FM Championship field for the first time this year is Lydia Ko, who brings a deep resume and 23 LPGA wins to the event.
That mix isn’t accidental. The Tour draws players from multiple domestic circuits — Korea LPGA, Japan LPGA and others — because it offers a stage to prove skill on an international level. Hall of Famers and veterans point out that global reach has been essential to growing women’s golf around the world.
Hidden talent and rising names
There’s talk inside the game about a deep pool of talent that hasn’t yet broken into household-name status. Several players are being compared to breakout stars from other sports in terms of raw ability and crowd appeal, but they simply need more exposure. That’s where bigger crowds, better broadcasts, and stronger marketing come in — the tour is actively trying to ramp up those elements.
One of the most immediate success stories: Haeran Ryu, who joined the LPGA in 2023 and already has three LPGA wins, including last year’s FM Championship. Progress like that shows how quickly players can translate success from other tours to the global stage.
Schedule and money: the LPGA is leveling up
The 2025 LPGA Tour is the most expansive in its history with 33 events across 14 U.S. states and 11 countries. Major tournaments will feature a combined purse of $47.8 million, and the U.S. Women’s Open alone will offer $12 million. New events like the Black Desert Championship in Utah and the Riviera Maya Open in Mexico are part of the push to broaden the Tour’s footprint.
Those higher purses are more than headlines; they’re a sign of commercial momentum. Bigger prize money brings more attention from players, teams, and sponsors, all of which feeds a cycle that can lift profiles across the sport.
What needs to happen next
The Tour is clear about priorities: increase broadcast and marketing quality, widen distribution so more fans can watch, and build larger on-site audiences to make events feel electric. Many players say that while prize money is improving, the long-term goal is sustained visibility — more packed galleries and televised coverage to make stars out of more players.
The influence of rising figures from other women’s sports has given the LPGA a nudge, but the Tour still has work to do to convert that interest into lasting fan habits. If networks keep investing and crowds keep coming, the next few seasons could be a pivotal stretch for women’s golf.
Bottom line for fans
- Expect more events to feel like must-see TV as broadcast coverage improves.
- Watch the FM Championship and other big purses — the stakes are higher and fields are deeper.
- New faces will surface fast. International stars are using the LPGA to build global reputations.
- Stronger attendance and media attention can turn short-term excitement into long-term growth.
FAQ
What is driving recent growth in the LPGA?
The combination of larger prize pools, an expanded global schedule, improved broadcast attention, and a wider cultural spotlight on women’s sports is fueling growth. Crossover interest from other sports has particularly helped draw new viewers.
How big is the LPGA schedule in 2025?
The 2025 LPGA Tour features 33 events across 14 U.S. states and 11 countries, the most extensive schedule in the Tour’s history.
Are purses increasing across the Tour?
Yes. Tour purses have increased overall, with notable increases at several events. The FM Championship purse rose to $4.1 million this year, and the combined major purses total $47.8 million.
Which players should fans keep an eye on?
Look for established winners and newcomers translating success from other tours: Megan Khang, Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu, Jin Young Ko, Jeeno Thitikul, and Lydia Ko are among the names to watch.
How does crossover attention from other sports help women’s golf?
When major stars in other women’s sports attract big audiences, broadcasters and advertisers become more willing to invest in women’s sports broadly. That investment helps the LPGA secure better coverage and reach new fans.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| FM Championship Attendance | Over 25,000 fans attended last year |
| FM Championship Purse | $4.1 million in 2025 (up from $3.8 million in 2024) |
| LPGA 2025 Schedule | 33 events in 14 U.S. states and 11 countries |
| Total LPGA Prize Pool | Over $131 million for 2025 |
| Major Tournaments Purse | Combined majors purse: $47.8 million; U.S. Women’s Open: $12 million |
| New Events | Black Desert Championship (Utah), Riviera Maya Open (Mexico) |
| Players to Watch | Megan Khang, Nelly Korda, Haeran Ryu, Jin Young Ko, Jeeno Thitikul, Lydia Ko |
If you follow golf, this season is shaping up to be one where the gallery noise matters almost as much as the leaderboard. Expect tighter competition, bigger storylines, and a few faces breaking through to household-name status if the crowds and TV numbers keep trending up.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Mass Live: LPGA Hall of Famer Pat Bradley Reveling in Growth of Women’s Golf
- LPGA: Tour Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Record-Breaking Schedule
- Forbes: Caitlin Clark’s LPGA Appearance Signals a Market Evolution
- Boston Globe: LPGA Boston Tournament and Women’s Sports
- Wikipedia: Ladies Professional Golf Association
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