The purse for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be $9 million, double that of last year’s purse. This year’s tournament will take place Thursday through Sunday at Congressional Country Club.
The winner of the tournament will take home $1.35 million, as announced by the PGA of America, KPMG and the LPGA Tour on Tuesday.
It’s an increase from the $4.5 million that was awarded last year. Since 2014, the purse for the major has risen 300 percent from $2.25 million. It’s the second-oldest major in women’s gold, having begun in 1955.
“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. “As part of our shared commitment to support and showcase women’s golf, we have delivered on those promises.”
Paul Knopp, chair and CEO of KPMG, said that the championship helps to accelerate, advance, develop and empower women “both on and off the golf course.”
The increased purse marks yet another win for LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. In May, the LPGA announced that the purse for the Evian Championship — which takes place in July — would increase to $6.5 million.
Since Marcoux Samaan was named commissioner last year, the LPGA Tour’s prize fund has now exceeded $94 million, which will set a tour record up from last year’s $85.7 million.
The U.S. Women’s Open, which was won by Minjee Lee, had its purse doubled this year to $10 million. This year’s AIG Women’s British Open will hand out a total of $6.8 million while the winner of the CME Group Tour Championship will earn a $2 million check — the largest ever handed out in women’s golf.
“Doubling the purse from $4.5 million to $9 million is another example of KPMG and the PGA of America’s dogged commitment to the LPGA and our athletes,” said Marcoux Samaan. “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.”