What Is 2018 CME Group Tour Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 CME Group Tour Championship was the season-ending LPGA event held from November 15–18, 2018, at the Gold Course of Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, with a $50 million season-long Race to the CME Globe bonus pool culminating in a $1.5 million first prize.

Key Facts

The 2018 CME Group Tour Championship took place from November 15–18, 2018
It was held at the Gold Course of Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida
The tournament offered a $1.5 million first-place prize, the largest in LPGA history at the time
Ariya Jutanugarn won the 2018 event with a final score of 17-under 271
The 2018 season finale concluded the LPGA’s $50 million Race to the CME Globe

Overview

The 2018 CME Group Tour Championship marked the climactic finale of the LPGA season, serving as the concluding event of the Race to the CME Globe. Held annually in November, the tournament brings together the top performers from the year based on season-long points accumulation.

This prestigious event not only crowns a champion but also determines the season’s overall points winner and awards one of the largest prize purses in women’s golf. The 2018 edition was especially notable due to its record-breaking $1.5 million first-place prize, a milestone in LPGA history.

Event Dates: The tournament took place from November 15 to 18, 2018, aligning with the LPGA Tour’s traditional late-season finale schedule.
Location: It was hosted at the Gold Course of Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, a venue known for its challenging layout and scenic surroundings.
Winner:Ariya Jutanugarn claimed victory with a final score of 17-under 271, securing her first CME Group Tour Championship title.
Prize Money: The winner received $1.5 million, the largest single payout in LPGA history at the time, part of a $50 million season-long bonus pool.
Field Size: The tournament featured the top 72 players on the Race to the CME Globe points list, ensuring elite competition from the season’s most consistent performers.

How It Works

The CME Group Tour Championship is structured to reward both weekly performance and season-long consistency, combining a standard 72-hole stroke-play format with a season-long points race culmination.

Race to the CME Globe:Launched in 2014, this season-long competition awards points based on tournament finishes, with the top 72 advancing to the finale.
Points Leader Bonus: The player leading the Race to the CME Globe after the championship earns an additional $1 million, separate from the tournament prize.
Field Qualification: Only the top 72 point earners from the LPGA season qualify, making it one of the most exclusive events on the tour.
Stroke Play Format: The event uses a standard 72-hole stroke-play format over four days, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 50 and ties.
Prize Fund: The 2018 purse totaled $3 million, with the winner’s share of $1.5 million setting a new benchmark in women’s golf earnings.
Season Finale: The tournament serves as the official end of the LPGA season, determining both the event champion and the year’s overall points winner.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 CME Group Tour Championship compares to previous editions and similar events in terms of structure and rewards:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	1st Prize	Season Bonus
2018	Ariya Jutanugarn	17-under 271	$1.5 million	$1 million
2017	Caroline Masson	18-under 270	$500,000	$1 million
2016	Chun In-gee	15-under 273	$500,000	$1 million
2015	Lexus Big Easy Championship	16-under 272	$500,000	$1 million
2014	Stacy Lewis	14-under 274	$500,000	$1 million

The 2018 event stood out due to its tripling of the first-place prize from $500,000 to $1.5 million, reflecting the LPGA’s growing investment in women’s golf. While the season-long $1 million bonus for the points leader remained consistent, the increased base payout highlighted a shift toward greater financial recognition for top performers. The tournament’s format and qualification criteria have remained largely stable, ensuring continuity while allowing for expanded rewards.

Why It Matters

The 2018 CME Group Tour Championship was a landmark moment for the LPGA, symbolizing both the growth of women’s professional golf and the increasing financial equity in the sport. Its record-setting prize structure set a new standard for future events and elevated the profile of the season finale.

Historic Payout: The $1.5 million first prize was a watershed moment, nearly tripling previous championship winnings and drawing global attention.
Gender Equity Progress: The increased purse highlighted strides toward financial parity with men’s professional golf events.
Global Recognition: Winners like Ariya Jutanugarn, from Thailand, underscore the international reach of the LPGA Tour.
Player Incentive: The combination of event prize and season bonus creates a strong incentive for year-round consistency.
Media Exposure: Broadcast by major networks, the event receives heightened visibility, boosting sponsor value and fan engagement.
Legacy Impact: The 2018 format influenced future seasons, with increased purses and expanded fields in subsequent years.

The 2018 CME Group Tour Championship not only crowned a champion but also advanced the LPGA’s mission of excellence and equity in professional sports. Its legacy continues to shape how season finales are structured and valued across women’s golf.