The LPGA Tour's elite field has descended upon Phoenix for this week's Ford Championship, with major championship preparation serving as the primary motivation for the world's best female golfers.
Twenty-two of the top 25 players in the latest Rolex Women's World Ranking have entered the tournament at Whiteline Golf Club's Cattail Course, setting up what promises to be a competitive week in the desert.
Defending champion Hyo Joo Kim returns to the venue where she captured her title in dramatic fashion last year, defeating Lilia Vu with a birdie on the first playoff hole. The tournament also welcomes back Nelly Korda, who claimed victory in the inaugural Ford Championship in 2024.
The field boasts several marquee names beyond the former champions, including top-ranked stars Jenno Thitkul, Charley Hull, and Lydia Ko. Adding extra intrigue to the week is the return of Jessica Korda, Nelly's older sister, who will be playing for the first time since May 2023 while recovering from injuries and adjusting to motherhood after welcoming a child in 2024.
Two notable sponsor's exemptions have also earned spots in the field: Carla Bernat Escuder, last year's Augusta National Women's Amateur champion who is establishing herself as a tour professional, and standout amateur Asterisk Talley, the runner-up at the ANWA and currently the top-ranked junior golfer worldwide.
Scoring conditions appear favorable based on last year's tournament, where Kim and Vu combined to finish at 22-under 266, suggesting players will need to go low to contend.
The prize structure reflects the tournament's growing stature within the LPGA schedule. The overall purse stands at $2.25 million, with the winner earning $337,500 for her victory.
Second place will receive $212,232, while third place takes home $153,959. The top-10 finishers will all earn five-figure payouts, with 10th place receiving $47,059.
Even players making the cut but finishing lower in the field will earn meaningful compensation. The 30th-place finisher receives $18,243, while those making the weekend but finishing toward the bottom of the leaderboard can still earn over $5,000.
The timing of the Ford Championship proves strategic for players looking ahead to the season's first major championship. With the Chevron Championship just one month away, this week's competition provides valuable preparation and competitive rounds for the world's best players.
The tournament setting at Whirlwind Golf Club offers both challenge and opportunity. The course features large greens and wide fairways for the most part, but rewards aggressive play for golfers willing to take on hazards with shorter approaches to pins.
As the LPGA Tour continues building momentum in 2024, the Ford Championship serves as another showcase for the depth and talent within women's professional golf, while offering substantial financial rewards that reflect the tour's continued growth and investment in its players.