It’s the finale we’ve all been waiting for, and the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship is setting records and turning heads. Not only is this season-ending LPGA showdown coming to Naples, Florida, from November 21-24, but it’s also boasting an absolutely eye-watering $11 million purse. With $4 million earmarked for the winner, the CME Group Tour Championship now holds the highest single prize in women’s sports—yes, you read that right. Here’s what you need to know to get hyped, whether you’re a front-row fan or tuning in from home.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher 💰
This year’s CME Group Tour Championship isn’t just any golf event; it’s a huge statement about the growth and recognition of women’s sports. Thanks to a partnership extension between the LPGA and CME Group through 2024, the purse has skyrocketed to a total of $11 million, setting a historic high for the tournament. The winner walks away with $4 million, and every one of the 60 golfers competing will earn at least $55,000 just for showing up.
CME Group Chairman and CEO Terry Duffy calls the 2024 Championship a “monumental moment” for women’s sports, and he’s right. In an industry where large purses have historically been reserved for men’s tournaments, the CME Group Tour Championship is not only rewarding excellence but also paving the way for other leagues to prioritize gender parity in sports earnings. It's a major win for the game, and we're here for every moment.
Who’s Got Their Eye on the $4 Million Prize? 🌟
With only 60 qualifying spots, this is the elite stage of the LPGA Tour, and you better believe the competition is going to be fierce. We’ve got our usual suspects—superstars like Jin Young Ko, Nelly Korda, and Lydia Ko (all looking to add another major feather to their caps). Jin Young Ko’s back-to-back wins and Lydia Ko’s steady rise mean both are players to watch, as they’ve been tearing it up this season with skills sharper than a freshly-minted 9-iron.
But there are a few rising stars ready to shake things up. Keep an eye on Leona Maguire, who narrowly missed the top spot in 2023, and is laser-focused on a redemption run. With the stakes this high, every player will be bringing their A-game, vying not only for the title but also for the historic first-place prize, a game-changer in any pro’s career
Why Naples, Florida? ☀️
Ah, Naples—the tropical playground where sun, sand, and serious golf come together. This stunning location has hosted the CME Group Tour Championship for years, transforming Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort into a spectator's paradise. Naples isn’t just beautiful, it’s also known for its devoted golf community and high-energy LPGA fan base. Every November, this city transforms, with fans and players flocking to see who will claim the final trophy of the year.
For those attending in person, Naples promises a weekend of unforgettable golf in a setting as glamorous as the competition itself. The course at Tiburón is no walk in the park, either. This Greg Norman-designed beauty is a serious test of skill, with challenging fairways and fast greens that will separate the seasoned pros from the rest of the field.
How to Tune In From Home 📺
If you can’t make it to Naples, the next best thing is tuning in from the comfort of your couch (golf snack spread recommended). With the tournament coverage on Golf Channel, ESPN, and NBCSports, you’ll get front-row seats to every drive, chip, and putt as the competition heats up. Watching from home is also the perfect way to catch every swing and story without missing a beat, all while witnessing the LPGA break yet another barrier for women’s sports. For TV schedule and streaming details – go to LPGA site (here).
Wrapping Up 🏆
This is the event of the season for women’s golf—a defining moment that’s set to leave an impact far beyond the greens. The CME Group Tour Championship brings together the top players, the biggest payout, and an undeniable passion for advancing women’s sports. Whether you’re a devoted fan, a casual viewer, or a newcomer to the sport, the championship is about more than just a trophy. It’s about recognizing the grit, skill, and tenacity that these players bring to the course—and celebrating a game that’s truly on the rise.
Mark your calendar, make it an event, and get ready for an unforgettable end to the LPGA season.