What Is 2017 CME Group Tour Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 CME Group Tour Championship was the season-ending LPGA tournament held from November 16–19, 2017, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, with a $2 million prize fund and 30-player field based on the Race to the CME Globe standings.

Key Facts

Tournament took place from November 16–19, 2017
Held at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida
Featured a $2 million total purse
Had a limited field of 30 players
Sung Hyun Park won with a score of 18-under par

Overview

The 2017 CME Group Tour Championship marked the culmination of the LPGA Tour season, serving as the final event in the Race to the CME Globe. Held at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, the tournament brought together the top 30 players based on season-long performance, offering a dramatic finale to the year.

With a $2 million prize fund and full LPGA points on the line, the stakes were high for contenders aiming to secure Player of the Year honors or climb the season rankings. The event combined elite competition with significant financial rewards, drawing widespread attention from fans and media.

Event dates: The tournament was played from November 16 to 19, 2017, concluding the LPGA season with a four-day format.
Location: Hosted at the Tiburón Golf Club, a private course in Naples, Florida, known for its challenging layout and lush surroundings.
Field size: Only the top 30 players in the Race to the CME Globe standings qualified, making it one of the most exclusive events on tour.
Prize purse: The total purse was $2 million, with the winner receiving $500,000—the largest single payout in women’s golf at the time.
Winner: South Korea’s Sung Hyun Park claimed victory with a final score of 18-under par, securing her first CME Group Tour Championship title.

How It Works

The CME Group Tour Championship operates under a points-based qualification system, rewarding consistent performance across the LPGA season. Players earn points throughout the year, culminating in a ranked leaderboard that determines eligibility for the season finale.

Qualification: The top 30 players in the Race to the CME Globe standings qualify, based on points accumulated from designated LPGA events.
Scoring format: The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format over four days, with a cut after 36 holes if needed.
Prize distribution: The winner receives $500,000, the largest first-place prize in women’s golf during the 2017 season.
Points system: CME Globe points are awarded based on finishing position, influencing Player of the Year and season-ending rankings.
Season finale: As the final event of the LPGA Tour, it provides a dramatic conclusion to the competitive calendar.
Television coverage: Broadcast nationally by Golf Channel and NBC, ensuring wide viewership and media exposure for top players.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 CME Group Tour Championship with other major LPGA events in terms of purse, field size, and format.

Event	Prize Purse	Field Size	Format	Winner’s Share
2017 CME Group Tour Championship	$2,000,000	30 players	72-hole stroke play	$500,000
2017 U.S. Women’s Open	$5,000,000	156 players	72-hole stroke play	$900,000
2017 Women’s British Open	$4,500,000	144 players	72-hole stroke play	$675,000
2017 ANA Inspiration	$3,000,000	120 players	72-hole stroke play	$450,000
2017 PGA Championship (men’s)	$10,000,000	156 players	72-hole stroke play	$1,800,000

While the CME Group Tour Championship had a smaller field than other majors, its exclusive format and high stakes made it a unique event. The limited participation emphasized season-long consistency, setting it apart from open-field tournaments.

Why It Matters

The 2017 CME Group Tour Championship played a pivotal role in shaping the LPGA’s competitive landscape, rewarding excellence and driving interest in women’s golf. Its structure incentivized year-round performance, elevating the sport’s profile and financial viability.

Player motivation: The $500,000 winner’s purse provided strong incentive for top players to maintain high performance throughout the season.
Media exposure: National broadcasts on Golf Channel and NBC increased visibility for women’s professional golf.
Global representation: The field included players from 10+ countries, highlighting the international reach of the LPGA Tour.
Historic milestone:Sung Hyun Park’s win marked her breakthrough on the global stage, launching a successful LPGA career.
Season structure: The event solidified the Race to the CME Globe as a central narrative of the LPGA season.
Financial growth: The $2 million purse reflected increasing investment in women’s sports and sponsorship interest.

By combining elite competition with substantial rewards, the 2017 CME Group Tour Championship reinforced the LPGA’s commitment to excellence and long-term growth.