What Is 2021 Women's PGA Championship

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2021 Women's PGA Championship was held from June 30 to July 3 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, where Nelly Korda won her first PGA Championship title with a score of 16-under-par 272.

Key Facts

The 2021 Women's PGA Championship took place from June 30 to July 3, 2021.
Nelly Korda won the tournament with a 16-under-par 272 total score.
The event was hosted at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia.
Korda claimed her first Women’s PGA Championship title and fifth LPGA win of 2021.
The tournament was the second major of the 2021 LPGA season.

Overview

The 2021 Women's PGA Championship was a pivotal event in the LPGA Tour season, marking the second major championship of the year. Held at the Atlanta Athletic Club’s Highlands Course, the tournament attracted a field of 156 professional women golfers competing over four days for a $4.5 million purse, with $675,000 awarded to the winner.

Organized by the PGA of America, the event showcased elite skill and dramatic finishes, culminating in Nelly Korda’s breakthrough victory. The tournament featured challenging course conditions, including thick rough and fast greens, which tested even the most experienced players.

Nelly Korda secured her first Women’s PGA Championship title, finishing at 16-under-par 272, four strokes ahead of runner-up Lizette Salas.
The tournament was held from June 30 to July 3, 2021, making it the longest-running women’s major in terms of continuous sponsorship.
The Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, hosted the event for the first time, marking a shift from previous venues like Aronimink.
With her win, Korda became the first American to win the Women’s PGA Championship since 2014, breaking a streak of international dominance.
The total prize purse was $4.5 million, with the winner earning $675,000—the largest first-place prize in the tournament’s history at the time.

How It Works

The Women’s PGA Championship follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 70 players and ties. The event is co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour and PGA of America, emphasizing both professional excellence and developmental outreach.

Format: The tournament uses 72 holes of stroke play over four days, with a 36-hole cut determining who continues to the weekend rounds.
Eligibility: Players qualify based on LPGA status, past major wins, or performance in previous Women’s PGA Championships, ensuring a 156-player field of top professionals.
Course Setup: The Atlanta Athletic Club’s Highlands Course played 6,875 yards at par 71, featuring narrow fairways and elevated greens that demanded precision.
Scoring: Nelly Korda’s winning score of 272 (−16) included rounds of 69, 67, 67, and 69, demonstrating consistency under pressure.
Weather Impact: Rain delays affected the second round, pushing play into Saturday and compressing the final two rounds into a single day for some competitors.
Charity Component: The PGA of America directed proceeds to youth golf initiatives, with over $1.2 million raised for grassroots programs in 2021.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship compares to recent editions in key metrics:

Year	Winner	Winning Score	Prize (1st)	Host Course
2021	Nelly Korda	−16 (272)	$675,000	Atlanta Athletic Club
2020	Sei Young Kim	−11 (277)	$522,000	Arkle Country Club
2019	Hinako Shibuno	−18 (270)	$576,000	Hazeltine National
2018	Park Sung-hyun	−13 (275)	$540,000	Trump National Bedminster
2017	Kim Sei-young	−13 (275)	$540,000	Kingsmill Resort

The 2021 edition stood out for its increased purse and American victory, reversing a trend of international winners. Course difficulty and weather conditions contributed to slightly higher scores compared to the record-breaking 2019 event, but Korda’s composure under pressure proved decisive. The tournament also marked a return to full fan attendance after pandemic restrictions in 2020, boosting engagement and media coverage.

Why It Matters

The 2021 Women’s PGA Championship had significant implications for the LPGA Tour and women’s golf as a whole. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport and the rising profile of American players on the global stage.

Nelly Korda’s win elevated her to World No. 1 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings, cementing her status as a dominant force.
The event drew over 85,000 spectators across four days, signaling strong public interest in women’s golf post-pandemic.
Television ratings increased by 12% year-over-year, with NBC’s coverage reaching a peak of 1.8 million viewers during the final round.
Korda’s victory inspired a new generation of American golfers, particularly young women, to pursue professional careers.
The PGA of America’s investment in women’s golf grew, with 20% more funding allocated to junior programs following the event.
The tournament reinforced the importance of major championships in shaping LPGA season narratives and player legacies.

Overall, the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship was a landmark event that combined athletic excellence with cultural significance, setting the stage for future growth in women’s professional golf.