Bethesda, Maryland, United States: The PGA of America, KPMG and the LPGA Tour have announced that the prize fund for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has been doubled to US$9 million. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which annually features one of the strongest fields in women’s golf is being contested this week at Congressional Country Club’s newly restored Blue Course.
 
This year’s US$9 million purse is double the US$4.5 million total awarded last year and represents a 300% increase since 2014 (US$2.25 million), the year before the PGA of America and KPMG began their collaboration. The winner’s share of the purse also will be doubled to US$1.35 million.

“When the PGA of America partnered with KPMG and the LPGA Tour in 2015, we promised to elevate this event by increasing the purse, conducting it at venues with a history of hosting men’s Major championships such as Congressional Country Club, and delivering broadcast network coverage with NBC Sports,” said Jim Richerson, President of the PGA of America, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“As part of our shared commitment to support and showcase women’s golf, we have delivered on those promises,” he added. 
 
Paul Knopp, KPMG US Chair and CEO, added: “Through the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, we are accelerating the advancement, development and empowerment of women both on and off the golf course.

“The significantly increased purse size – along with top courses in major markets, network TV coverage, and advanced data and analytics capabilities provided via KPMG Performance Insights – are tangible examples of our commitment to elevate the world-class athletes on the LPGA Tour.”
 
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said: “Doubling the purse to US$9 million is another example of KPMG and the PGA of America’s dogged commitment to the LPGA and our athletes. We could not be more grateful for their steadfast leadership in growing the women’s game and providing our athletes and future athletes with opportunities commensurate with their world-class talent.

“This is a very big day for the LPGA, for women’s golf and for women’s sports and we look forward to working with KPMG and the PGA of America to continue to use our platform to empower young women and inspire positive change in the world.”
 
The field for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship includes 99 of the top 100 players on the LPGA’s Official Money List, along with nine PGA/LPGA Club Professionals.