What Is 2018 Women's PGA Championship

Overview

The 2018 Women's PGA Championship was the 64th edition of the tournament and one of the five major championships on the LPGA Tour. Held annually, it showcases top female golfers competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

This year's event marked a breakthrough for Australian golfer Hannah Green, who claimed her first major title in dramatic fashion. The tournament drew a global field of 156 players, including defending champion Park Sung-hyun and top-ranked competitors like Ariya Jutanugarn.

• Hannah Green finished at 12-under-par 276, securing victory by one stroke over Park Sung-hyun after four rounds.
• The championship was hosted at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, Illinois, a course known for its challenging layout and tree-lined fairways.
• This was the first major win for Green, who turned professional in 2016 and had previously finished in the top 10 in only two LPGA events.
• Round-by-round scores: Green shot 70, 69, 68, and 69, maintaining consistency under pressure on the final day.
• The purse totaled $3.5 million, with Green earning $525,000 for her first-place finish.

How It Works

The Women's PGA Championship follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest total score winning. Players compete over four days, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 70 and ties.

• Format: The tournament uses 72-hole stroke play, where each player’s total strokes across four rounds determine their final standing.
• Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the field is reduced to the top 70 players and ties, ensuring only the highest performers continue to the weekend.
• Eligibility: The field includes LPGA members, top finishers from prior majors, and international players ranked in the Top 50 of the Rolex Rankings.
• Course Setup: Kemper Lakes played to 6,666 yards at par 72, with narrow fairways and fast greens testing precision and course management.
• Weather Conditions: Players faced intermittent rain and cooler temperatures, particularly during the third round, affecting ball roll and scoring conditions.
• Prize Distribution: The total purse was $3.5 million, with 100% of players who made the cut earning prize money based on final standings.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Women's PGA Championship can be better understood by comparing it to prior editions in terms of venue, winner, and scoring.

The 2018 event saw slightly lower scoring than 2017 but matched 2015’s winning total. Green’s win marked the first time an Australian woman won this championship, highlighting growing international diversity in the LPGA. The prize fund increased from 2017, reflecting the tour’s expanding financial support.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Women's PGA Championship had significant implications for the LPGA Tour, player careers, and gender equity in golf. It spotlighted emerging talent and underscored the competitiveness of women’s professional golf.

• Breakthrough performance: Hannah Green’s win elevated her world ranking from outside the top 100 to inside the top 30 virtually overnight.
• Global representation: With a winner from Australia and strong showings from South Korea and Japan, the event highlighted the international depth of the LPGA.
• Increased visibility: The tournament received record TV viewership in Australia, boosting interest in women’s golf Down Under.
• Historic venue: Kemper Lakes had not hosted a women’s major since 1990, marking a return after 28 years and revitalizing interest in the course.
• Financial growth: The $3.5 million purse reflected a 6% increase from 2017, signaling rising investment in women’s sports.
• Role model impact: Green’s victory inspired young female golfers, particularly in Australia, where participation rates rose 12% in the following year.

Ultimately, the 2018 Women's PGA Championship was more than a tournament—it was a milestone in the evolution of women’s golf, demonstrating progress in competition, equity, and global reach.