The U.S. Women’s Open LPGA purse has risen to a whopping $10 million this year, nearly double the $5.5 million previous prize, thanks to the championship’s first-ever presenting sponsor, ProMedica. And that’s not all. By 2026, the purse will increase to $12 million. Now *this* is what we call betting on women

The 2022 U.S. Women’s Open will be hosted at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club from June 2-5, where the winner will rake in $1.8 million, making the event the richest single payday in women’s golf.  In addition, the USGA has revealed five more venues: Riviera Country Club (2026), Inverness Club (2027), Pinehurst (2029), Interlachen Country Club (2030) and Oakland Hills Country Club.The total prize money for the 2022 LPGA season now sits at over $90 million. 

LPGA’s 2021 season was full of extra excitement from the Solheim Cup to the Olympics, but the larger purse ups the stakes and puts the pressure on for 2022. Here’s who to watch in the upcoming season:

  • Jin Young Ko: This star grabbed five tour victories in 2021, raising her total to 12 career LPGA Tour titles. Ko’s one of the most consistent hitters in the game, driving straight toward the LPGA Hall of Fame at a remarkable clip with 17 of the 27 points needed to qualify in just four years on tour. Odds to win the LPGA tour title: +225 (bet $100 → $225)

  • Nelly Korda: After finally earning her first tournament victory on home soil, she was unstoppable, adding on four more titles, including a Major Championship and an Olympic Gold Medal. She capped the season as world No. 1 and her future looks bright. Odds to win the LPGA tour title: +300 (bet $100 → $225)

  • Lexi Thompson: Yes, another American! While she’s been winless since the 2019 Shoprite Classic, we expect her to finally find that elusive title in 2022. She bounced back at the Founders Cup, leading to three straight top-10 finishes to close the season. Odds to win the LPGA tour title: +2000 (bet $100 → $2000)

  • Atthaya Thitikul: The Q-school grad is expected to make a splash in her rookie LPGA season. Thitikul earned 15 top-six finishes in 18 events across the LPGA and LET. She’s currently sitting at 20th in the world with much more to come this season. Thitikul’s odds to win the LPGA tour title: +1200 (bet $100 → $1200)

The Takeaway

No matter who wins the 2022 season title and ends world No. 1, this year is a monumental year, not only for the LPGA, but women’s sports as a whole. Finally, these women athletes are being recognized and respected for their hard work and incredible abilities. A precedent has been set, and now it’s time for other women’s sports to follow.

Term of the Day

Women’s golf hits the jackpot with Nelly Korda