What Is 2019 Women's PGA Championship

Overview

The 2019 Women's PGA Championship was the 65th edition of the tournament and the fifth held under the LPGA Tour's management as a major championship. It featured a field of 156 players competing across four rounds at Hazeltine National Golf Club, a course known for its challenging layout and past hosting of major men’s and women’s events.

This championship marked a breakthrough performance for Australian golfer Hannah Green, who claimed her first major title in dramatic fashion. The event attracted top players from around the world, including defending champion Park Sung-hyun, world number one Jin Young Ko, and past major winners like Inbee Park and Lexi Thompson.

• June 20–23, 2019: The tournament was held over four days in late June, aligning with the traditional mid-year major schedule on the LPGA Tour.
• Hazeltine National Golf Club: Located in Chaska, Minnesota, this course previously hosted the 2016 Ryder Cup and provided a tough test with tree-lined fairways and fast greens.
• Hannah Green: Entered the final round with a narrow lead and shot a 2-under 70 to finish at 12-under-par 276, securing her first LPGA Tour victory.
• Defending champion: Park Sung-hyun finished second at 10-under-par, narrowly missing a repeat title after winning in 2018 at Kemper Lakes.
• First-time major winner: Green became the first Australian woman to win a major since Karrie Webb at the 2006 Kraft Nabisco Championship.

How It Works

The Women's PGA Championship is structured as a 72-hole stroke-play event with a cut after 36 holes. The top 70 players, including ties, advance to the weekend rounds, with prize money and ranking points awarded based on final standings.

• Format: The tournament uses standard stroke play, where the player with the lowest total score after four rounds wins. Each round consists of 18 holes.
• Cut rule: After 36 holes, the field is reduced to the top 70 players and ties, ensuring only competitive players continue into the final two rounds.
• Major status: Since 2015, the Women's PGA Championship has been designated as one of the LPGA Tour's five major championships, increasing its prestige and prize pool.
• Prize money: The 2019 purse was $3.5 million, with winner Hannah Green earning $525,000, or 15% of the total prize fund.
• Qualification: Players qualify based on LPGA membership, past major wins, world rankings, and exemptions granted by the organizing bodies.
• Course setup: Hazeltine played to a length of 6,907 yards with a par of 72, offering a mix of long par-4s and strategic par-5s to challenge top players.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Women's PGA Championship compares to other major events in terms of venue, winner, margin of victory, and historical context:

The 2019 edition stood out for its international breakthrough, as Hannah Green’s win highlighted the growing global competitiveness of women’s golf. Unlike previous years marked by wire-to-wire leads or playoff finishes, Green’s victory was a steady, one-stroke lead entering the final round that she maintained under pressure. The tournament also saw strong performances from top-ranked players, reinforcing its status as a premier major event.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Women's PGA Championship had significant implications for the LPGA Tour, player legacies, and the visibility of women’s golf. It showcased the depth of talent across nationalities and provided a platform for emerging stars to gain recognition on a major stage.

• Global representation: Hannah Green’s win underscored the international nature of the LPGA, with Australians returning to the major winner’s circle after a 13-year drought.
• Historic venue: Hazeltine National became only the second course to host both the Ryder Cup and a women’s major, elevating its status in golf history.
• Increased prize money: The $3.5 million purse reflected the LPGA’s ongoing efforts to close the gender gap in tournament earnings.
• Player development: For Green, the win marked her first LPGA title and propelled her into the top 10 of the Women’s World Golf Rankings.
• Media exposure: The event received extensive coverage from NBC and Golf Channel, reaching millions and boosting fan engagement during a pivotal season.
• Legacy impact: The tournament reinforced the Women’s PGA Championship as a cornerstone of the major schedule, influencing future sponsorship and hosting decisions.

Ultimately, the 2019 championship was more than just a single victory—it was a milestone in the evolution of women’s professional golf, combining competitive excellence with growing recognition and support.