Record prize purse announced for 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship

The KPMG Women's PGA Championship will offer a record-breaking $13 million purse this week, reclaiming its position as the richest event in women's golf as the season's third major gets underway at Hazeltine National on Thursday.

The increased prize fund surpasses the $12.5 million purse on offer at this month's U.S. Women's Open and continues a remarkable run of investment in the championship, with prize money rising for the ninth consecutive year.

The most significant jump came in 2022 when the purse doubled from $4.5 million to $9 million. 

Four years later, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship has established a new benchmark for the women's game.

The record purse provides an added layer of intrigue to a championship already packed with storylines, none bigger than world number one Nelly Korda's bid for a place in the history books.

Korda arrives at Hazeltine as the overwhelming favourite after winning four times including two majors, the Chevron Championship and U.S. Women's Open, already this season. 

The 27-year-old American is chasing a third consecutive major title, a feat achieved only once before in women's golf by Inbee Park in 2013.

Korda, now a four-time major champion, has lifted the Women's PGA Championship trophy once before, coming at Atlanta Athletic Club in 2021. 

The strength of the field reflects the growing stature of the event, with every player inside the top 100 of the LPGA points standings teeing it up at Hazeltine. 

Coverage across NBC, Peacock and Golf Channel will total 26 hours, matching the broadcast commitment given to the U.S. Women's Open.

"We're proud to deliver the premier major on the LPGA Tour," said Tim Walsh, Chairman and CEO of KPMG U.S.

"Working with the PGA of America and the LPGA Tour, we're combining a record purse with technology that gives players better, real-time insight into their performance, along with broader, more dynamic coverage for fans.

"It's all about continuing to build momentum for women's golf."

Alongside the enhanced prize fund, tournament organisers have introduced new artificial intelligence-driven features to the KPMG Performance Insights platform, which provides players, broadcasters and media with advanced statistical analysis.

The latest additions include AI-powered outcome predictions, personalised round breakdowns for players and expanded shot-level data. 

Selected caddies will also wear microphones during competition, giving viewers greater access to on-course strategy and decision-making.

First played in 1955, the Women's PGA Championship has grown significantly since the PGA of America partnered with the LPGA and KPMG to elevate the championship through increased investment, enhanced data analysis and visits to some of the game's most iconic venues.

Hazeltine National, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2016 and will do so again in 2029, provides the stage this week as the world's best players compete for a record purse and one of the most prestigious titles in women's golf.