What Is 2019 CME Group Tour Championship

Overview

The 2019 CME Group Tour Championship served as the climactic finale of the LPGA Tour season, bringing together the top performers based on the Race to the CME Globe points standings. Held at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, the tournament attracted a limited field of 60 players who qualified through consistent performance across the season.

With a record-setting $5 million purse, the event offered the largest prize in LPGA history at the time, highlighting the tour’s growth in visibility and financial investment. The tournament was played over four days in November, concluding with a dramatic final round that saw South Korea’s Ko Jin-young claim her first U.S. victory.

• Field size: Only 60 players qualified, based on their position in the Race to the CME Globe standings after the preceding event.
• Dates: The tournament ran from November 21 to 24, 2019, aligning with the LPGA’s move to end the season in late fall.
• Location: It was hosted at the Tiburón Golf Club’s Gold Course, a PGA-standard course known for its challenging layout.
• Winner’s share: Ko Jin-young earned $1.5 million, the largest single payout in LPGA history at the time.
• Scoring: Ko finished at 17-under-par 271, edging out Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda by two strokes.

How It Works

The CME Group Tour Championship is structured as a season finale that rewards both performance and consistency throughout the year. Players earn points across the season, and only the top 60 in the Race to the CME Globe qualify for the championship, creating a high-stakes, exclusive field.

• Qualification:Top 60 in points after the preceding event earn entry, ensuring only the most consistent players compete.
• Format: The tournament uses a 72-hole stroke play format, with all players competing over four days regardless of cut.
• Purse distribution: The $5 million purse is distributed among all 60 players, with the winner receiving 30%.
• Scoring system: Standard stroke play rules apply, with no cut—all qualifiers play all four rounds.
• Tiebreaker: In the event of a tie, a three-hole aggregate playoff determines the winner, as seen in prior years.
• Points impact: Performance contributes to season-end awards, including Player of the Year and money list rankings.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 CME Group Tour Championship with prior years and similar LPGA events:

The table illustrates the tournament’s significant growth in prize money, especially in 2019 when the purse tripled from the previous year. This increase reflected the LPGA’s expanding commercial success and global reach, driven by sponsorships like CME Group’s title support. The consistent venue in Naples has helped build tradition and course familiarity among players.

Why It Matters

The 2019 CME Group Tour Championship was a landmark event that underscored the LPGA’s rising profile and financial competitiveness. Its record purse and global viewership signaled a new era of investment in women’s professional golf.

• Historic payout: The $1.5 million winner’s check set a benchmark for gender equity in golf prize distribution.
• Global spotlight: Broadcast in over 170 countries, the event boosted visibility for women’s sports internationally.
• Player motivation: The high stakes encouraged consistent performance across the entire LPGA season.
• Sponsorship impact: CME Group’s commitment demonstrated corporate confidence in women’s athletics.
• Role model effect: Young athletes saw a tangible reward for excellence, inspiring future participation.
• Tour growth: The event’s success helped the LPGA secure higher media deals and sponsorships in subsequent years.

By combining elite competition with historic rewards, the 2019 championship redefined what was possible in women’s golf, setting a precedent for future seasons.