Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States: The USGA and ProMedica have announced a long-term partnership that includes presenting partner rights for the US Women’s Open, notably elevating the championship through a US$10 million purse, additional host sites that include some of the most esteemed courses in the US, and increased charitable support, to ensure that its life-changing impact continues to set the standard in the women’s game. 

ProMedica, a mission-based, not-for-profit integrated health and well-being organisation that serves communities in 28 states, becomes the newest partner in the USGA’s global programme, which is designed to extend the reach of the Association’s mission to champion and advance the game of golf.

In addition to the US Women’s Open presenting sponsorship, as part of the long-term relationship, ProMedica becomes the official health and well-being partner of the USGA.  

The US Women’s Open has led the way for more than 75 years and one of the world’s premier women’s championships. To retain and enhance its standing, most immediately and beginning with the 2022 championship at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in North Carolina (June 2-5), the purse will increase from US$5.5 million to US$10 million, the highest in women’s golf and among the leaders in all of women’s sports.

The USGA also announced a commitment to raise the Women’s Open purse to US$11 million and then US$12 million over the next five years. 

“The USGA prides itself on conducting championships that not only provide an incredible stage for the athletes, but also give younger players something to dream about,” said Mike Whan, USGA CEO.

“For more than 75 years, the US Women’s Open has been the one that every little girl, in every country around the world, has dreamed of winning. This partnership with ProMedica allows us to substantially grow the championship in every way, from its purpose, to its purse, to the places that host the event.

“While I’m incredibly proud of what we are announcing, I know this is just the beginning, as together with ProMedica, we’ll push to change the game and what it means to young women worldwide in order to reach new heights every year.” 

Key to the partnership is a joint commitment by the organisations to highlight the importance of addressing health inequities across the United States, which will include sharing the personal stories of golfers and USGA competitors nationwide who have used golf as a means to a healthier lifestyle.  

ProMedica will also utilise the global stage the US Women’s Open provides to generate charitable dollars for its ProMedica Impact Fund, which will become the official charity of the US Women’s Open.

The ProMedica Impact Fund is committed to raising more than US$1 billion over eight years to strategically invest in grants, impact investments, and research and learning activities, all designed to improve individual and community health. The partners will conduct fund-raising to support social determinants of health (SDOH) initiatives and other programmes in championship communities.

“With this unprecedented partnership, both organisations are breaking new ground,” said Randy Oostra, ProMedica President and CEO. “ProMedica will benefit from taking its work in social determinants of health onto a national stage, while the USGA will benefit from the opportunity to embrace a not-for-profit organisation whose mission and support will elevate its signature women’s event.

“You simply cannot talk about improving the health and well-being of all individuals without talking about the disproportionate impact of social determinants of health on women. The US Women’s Open is a perfect platform for bringing this message to a much broader audience,” said Oostra.

As a piece of the partnership, ProMedica will provide on-site medical services at several USGA championships, as well as deliver health and well-being experiences for fans on-site and throughout host communities.  

The USGA also named five additional US Women’s Open host sites: The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades (2026); Inverness Club in Toledo (2027); Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (2029); Interlachen Country Club in Edina (2030) and Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills (2031 and 2042).