The LPGA Tour's elite are gathering in Phoenix for another edition of the Ford Championship, where a substantial $2.25 million prize pool awaits the world's best female golfers at Cattail Course at Whiteline Golf Club.
With major championship season approaching and the Chevron Championship just weeks away, this tournament serves as crucial preparation for the sport's biggest names. The field boasts impressive depth, featuring 22 of the top 25 players from the latest Rolex Women's World Ranking.
Defending champion Hyo Joo Kim returns to the desert venue where she captured her title in dramatic fashion last year, defeating Lilia Vu with a clutch birdie on the first playoff hole. The victory capped off a remarkable week that saw both players finish at 22-under 266, setting expectations for another low-scoring affair.
The tournament also marks the return of inaugural 2024 champion Nelly Korda, who will be joined by several top-ranked stars including Jenno Thitkul, Charley Hull, and former world No. 1 Lydia Ko. the competitive field promises fireworks as these elite players vie for the winner's share of $337,500.
Adding intrigue to this year's field is the return of Jessica Korda, Nelly's older sister, who will be making her first competitive appearance since May 2023. The elder Korda has been recovering from injuries while embracing motherhood in 2024, making her comeback one of the week's most compelling storylines.
The tournament has also extended sponsor's exemptions to two rising stars worth watching. Carla Bernat Escuder, last year's Augusta National Women's Amateur champion, will make her professional debut on tour. Joining her is standout amateur Asterisk Talley, who finished runner-up at the ANWA and currently holds the distinction of being the world's top-ranked junior golfer.
Based on last year's scoring bonanza, spectators can expect another week of aggressive play and red numbers. The combination of favorable course conditions and elite talent typically produces the type of birdie-fest that makes for compelling television.
The complete prize money distribution reflects the tournament's growing stature within the LPGA Tour hierarchy. The winner will claim $337,500, while the runner-up earns $212,232. Third place receives $153,959, with fourth collecting $119,100 and fifth taking home $95,862.
Positions six through ten pay between $78,432 and $47,059, ensuring that players making strong showings through the weekend will be well compensated. Even those finishing in the 20s and 30s can expect meaningful payouts, with 25th place earning $22,194 and 35th receiving $14,874.
As the tournament unfolds, several key narratives will capture attention beyond the leaderboard. Kim's title defense attempt, the Korda sisters' reunion on competitive grounds, and the debuts of promising newcomers all add layers of interest to the proceedings.
The timing couldn't be better for players seeking momentum heading into major season. Strong performances in Phoenix often translate to confidence and form that carries forward to golf's biggest stages.
With ideal weather conditions expected and a field loaded with talent, the 2026 Ford Championship is positioned to deliver another memorable week of championship-caliber golf. The combination of substantial prize money, elite competition, and compelling storylines makes this a must-watch event on the LPGA calendar.
Fans should prepare for another low-scoring showcase as the world's best female golfers battle for supremacy in the Arizona desert. When the final putts drop on Sunday, one player will walk away $337,500 richer and carrying significant momentum toward the season's first major championship.