As the spotlight on women’s golf continues to intensify, the LPGA Tour is experiencing an exciting surge in popularity. The recent Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is a perfect example. Last weekend, South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim claimed victory, adding another remarkable chapter to her career while solidifying the increasing importance of women’s golf. With her win, Kim not only showcased her incredible skill, but also helped elevate the profile of the LPGA, which has been rapidly gaining traction across the globe.
This tour, like many others in recent months, signals a broader trend in sports: Women’s sports, particularly women’s golf, are receiving more VISibility, sponsorship, and media attention than ever before. In 1950, women competed in 15 events, with a total prize fund of $40,250. In 2025, the season features 32 official events and a record-breaking prize fund of $131 million, marking a 90% increase of over $62 million compared to 2021. As the recognition and support for the LPGA grows, so does its potential to inspire the next generation of women golfers and athletes worldwide.
The Growing Recognition of Women’s Golf
Women’s golf is seeing an exciting surge in VISibility, largely thanks to increased media coverage. Major outlets are dedicating more airtime and print space to the LPGA, with televised events like the Women’s PGA Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open attracting larger audiences. “It’s an interesting time for the LPGA,” Swedish professional golfer Annika Sorenstam said in an interview. “We all want to be seen and heard, whether that’s TV or any kind of exposure. The more, the better.” Platforms like social media also play a pivotal role in amplifying the sport's reach, allowing fans to engage with players and events in real time.
Along with rising media coverage, sponsorships and partnerships have also significantly increased. Leading brands, including Rolex, Aon, and Epson, are investing in LPGA players and tournaments, a marked shift from the past when women golfers had far fewer sponsorship opportunities. These deals provide financial support to athletes while simultaneously boosting the VISibility of the sport itself, helping to attract new fans and increase TV viewership.
“My favorite thing about playing out here and getting to do what I do for a living is growing the game and inspiring the next generation.”
Broader Growth of Women’s Sports and the LPGA’s Role
The rise of women’s golf is representative of a larger shift toward greater recognition of women athletes across all sports. As the LPGA continues to break barriers in a historically men-dominated arena, its success serves as a model for other women’s sports striving for greater exposure and equality. The increased support for women’s golf encourages broader conversations about women’s rights and opportunities in professional sports.
As LPGA players gain more VISibility, they serve as role models for young girls, inspiring them to pursue careers in golf and beyond. The growing VISibility of women athletes is also fostering a new wave of youth participation in sports, with more young girls taking up golf thanks to better access to resources and mentorship programs. “My favorite thing about playing out here and getting to do what I do for a living is growing the game and inspiring the next generation,” LPGA golfer Nelly Korda said in an interview. This momentum has created a ripple effect, with local clubs increasingly offering pathways for young girls to thrive in competitive sports.
The Future of the LPGA
The future of the LPGA looks bright, with sustained growth driven by continued media attention, sponsorship deals, and broader fan engagement. “I think women’s sports are an amazing place right now. A lot of opportunity,” Sorenstam said.
To maintain this momentum, it's crucial for stakeholders to invest in equal pay, greater prize money, and long-term VISibility. Further collaboration with the PGA, joint events, and expanded media partnerships could attract even larger audiences. Continued policy changes and organizational support are also necessary to make sure that LPGA players receive the same recognition and opportunities as men in the sport, paving the way for a more equitable future in women’s golf.
