The LPGA was founded in 1950 by 13 trailblazing women who set out to create opportunities in professional golf for women. Today, 75 years later, the LPGA stands as the longest-running professional sports organization for women.
Those founding members faced significant gender barriers at a time when women’s athletics received little recognition or financial support. They competed for modest purses, played in limited tournaments, and worked tirelessly to grow the game. What started as a small tour in the United States has since expanded into a global phenomenon. There’s millions in prize money at stake, and tournaments are played across multiple continents.
This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the LPGA’s icons, players who defined their eras and shaped the sport’s future. From Kathy Whitworth and Mickey Wright to Annika Sörenstam and Karrie Webb, these women set new standards for excellence.
It is also a time to recognize the pioneers who broke barriers and expanded the game’s reach. Alethea Gibson, Nancy Lopez, Se Ri Pak, and others played pivotal roles in making the LPGA a more inclusive and diverse organization, inspiring young women from all backgrounds to pursue professional golf.
And now is also a good time to look back at how these players have changed the sport. LPGA driving distances spiked over the past few decades, with only a few dozen hitting more than 260 yards back in 2010. That number rocketed past 65 by 2020 and reached 75 players in 2024.
A Truly Global Tour
The LPGA has grown from an American-centric tour into a truly international one, with players from dozens of countries competing at the highest level. The increasing visibility of women’s golf through expanded television coverage and digital platforms like LPGA.com has introduced the game to millions worldwide, bringing new fans to the sport.
Look at Jeeno Thitikul as one example of international success. This 22-year-old golfer has official career earnings of more than $10 million. That’s with four wins since her rookie year in 2022.
Sponsors also played a critical role in this growth. From early supporters to today’s major global brands, investment in the LPGA has resulted in record-breaking purses, reflecting the growing respect and appreciation for women’s golf.
Over the past few years, prize money has also steadily increased. That’s a major draw for talented golfers. Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam, who has played with the LPGA since 1994, has career earnings over $22.5 million. That’s with 72 wins over the course of her career.
But it’s not all about the money. Player development programs such as LPGA-USGA Girls Golf have introduced the game to millions of young women, providing a structured pathway to the professional ranks. As a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives empower young girls to develop their skills and confidence on and off the course.
Beyond competition, the LPGA has made a significant impact through charitable initiatives and community outreach programs. These efforts continue to strengthen the connection between professional golf and the communities it serves, inspiring the next generation of female golfers.
There’s a notable golf quote that always makes me smile, one that comes from one of the stars of the LPGA:
Golf is a game of misses, and the winners are those who have the best misses.
Kathy Whitworth
The future of the LPGA is brighter than ever. With rising stars making their mark, increasing prize money, and a growing global audience, the tour is poised for even greater success. The progress made over the past 75 years is a tribute to the courageous women who built this organization from the ground up.
Happy Anniversary, LPGA. Here’s to 75 more years of excellence.
Related Reading: What Your Golf Driver Says About You as a Player
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Brendon is Class A PGA Professional and founded Little Linksters, LLC, and its nonprofit arm, the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development. He won 25+ prestigious industry honors, including the 2017 PGA National Youth Player Development Award. He graduated from the PGA of America Management Program and has a handicap index of 7.8.He has played golf for over 40 years and currently plays twice a month at the Eagle Dunes Golf Club near Sorrento, Florida. He loves Srixon clubs and plays a ZX5 driver with Z 585 irons. He’s written over 60 articles on GolfSpan and specializes in sharing tips to improve your golf game. You can connect with Brendon at LinkedIn, X, IG, FB, his website, or BrendonElliott@pga.com.
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