What Is 2020 Women's PGA Championship

Overview

The 2020 Women's PGA Championship was a major highlight in the LPGA season, notable for its delayed schedule and historic performance. Originally scheduled for June, it was rescheduled to October 8–11 due to the global pandemic, making it one of the first major tournaments to return after the LPGA's pause.

Hosted at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the event featured a 156-player field competing over 72 holes of stroke play. The course, a Donald Ross-designed classic, presented firm greens and tight fairways, testing the world’s top female golfers under crisp autumn conditions.

• Event Dates: The championship was held from October 8 to 11, 2020, marking a significant shift from its traditional June date due to the pandemic.
• Winner:Sei Young Kim claimed her first career major title, finishing at 21-under-par 263, the lowest 72-hole score in LPGA history.
• Course: Aronimink Golf Club, a par-71 layout measuring 6,575 yards, provided a challenging yet fair test for competitors.
• Margin of Victory: Kim won by three strokes over runner-up Inbee Park, with Nelly Korda finishing third at 17 under.
• Record Broken: Kim’s 263 total surpassed the previous LPGA 72-hole scoring record of 264, previously held by Annika Sörenstam and Park In-bee.

How It Works

The Women's PGA Championship follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with the lowest cumulative score determining the winner. After 36 holes, a cut reduces the field to the top 70 players and ties, ensuring only the best advance to the weekend rounds.

• Format:72 holes of stroke play over four days; the player with the lowest total score wins. Ties after 72 holes are broken by a sudden-death playoff.
• Field Size:156 players qualify based on LPGA rankings, past major wins, and sponsor exemptions, ensuring a globally competitive lineup.
• Cut Rule: After 36 holes, the field is reduced to the top 70 and ties, maintaining competitive intensity through the weekend.
• Scoring Record: Kim’s 263 (−21) set a new LPGA benchmark, surpassing the prior record by one stroke.
• Prize Money: The 2020 purse was $3 million, with Kim earning $450,000 for her victory.
• Weather Conditions: Cool, dry autumn weather at Aronimink allowed for firm fairways and fast greens, influencing club selection and strategy.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2020 Women's PGA Championship compares to recent editions in key metrics:

The 2020 tournament stands out for Kim’s record-breaking performance and the unique scheduling shift. While past editions featured closer finishes, Kim’s dominant 21-under total underscored her precision and composure under pressure, particularly in the final round where she shot 64.

Why It Matters

The 2020 Women's PGA Championship had lasting significance for the LPGA and women’s golf globally. It symbolized the tour’s resilience during a disrupted season and showcased rising stars like Kim on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

• Historic Performance: Kim’s 263 total set a new LPGA scoring record, cementing her place in golf history.
• Pandemic Resilience: The successful October staging proved the LPGA could adapt to global challenges and safely resume play.
• Global Representation: The international field highlighted the global growth of women’s golf, with players from over 25 countries.
• Increased Visibility: Broadcast coverage on NBC and Golf Channel brought record viewership to women’s major golf.
• Player Development: Kim’s win signaled a shift toward a new generation of dominant LPGA players.
• Course Legacy: Aronimink’s hosting elevated its status as a premier venue for future women’s major championships.

The 2020 Women's PGA Championship was more than a tournament—it was a milestone in competitive balance, historical achievement, and the enduring appeal of women’s professional golf.