The desert winds are swirling at Whirlwind Golf Club's Cattail Course this week as the LPGA Tour's Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass showcases the world's top female golfers. Running March 26-29 in Chandler, Arizona, the $2.25 million event marks a critical tune-up before the season's first major championship.
Fresh off her triumph at last week's Fortinet Founders Cup, Hyo Joo Kim arrives with momentum after claiming the $450,000 winner's check in California. The South Korean star's victory highlighted the tour's competitive depth as players jockey for position ahead of April's major championship stretch.
The tournament comes during a period of significant growth for women's golf, with Michelle Wie West spearheading new initiatives. "Ford Power Her Drive is about creating pathways for the next generation," said Wie West, the campaign's ambassador. "Seeing young players get mentorship opportunities makes me excited for golf's future.
While the competition unfolds in Arizona, intriguing storylines extend beyond the course. The Korda sisters have drawn attention for their analysis of brother Sebastian's golf swing, with the tennis star recently defeating world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. "We've been giving him tips since we were kids," Nelly Korda joked during a recent press availability.
Players face unique challenges at the Cattail Course, where desert conditions demand precision and adaptability. The layout's risk-reward holes could prove decisive as competitors chase valuable Race to CME Globe points and a share of the substantial purse.
The Ford Championship serves as the final prep before a loaded April schedule featuring the Aramco Championship (April 2-5) and JM Eagle LA Championship (April 16-19). All roads lead to The Chevron Championship (April 23-26), the season's first major that traditionally crowns its champion with a dramatic 18th hole plunge into Poppie's Pond.
With the tournament's conclusion Sunday, the LPGA Tour will shift focus to Saudi Arabia for the Aramco event before returning stateside for the major championship season. The desert test at Whirlwind provides one last opportunity for players to fine-tune their games before golf's biggest stages await.