ESPN Golf: KPMG Women's PGA Sets All-Time Record Purse of $13M with AI-Powered Analytics

Record Prize Money Elevates Women's Golf

The KPMG Women's PGA Championship has announced a $13 million purse for its 2026 edition at Hazeltine National — the largest in women's golf history. This marks the ninth consecutive year of prize money growth, surpassing the $12.5 million offered at the U.S. Women's Open earlier in June. The landmark figure signals a broader commitment to raising the competitive and commercial stature of women's majors.

Korda's Historic Triple-Major Bid

World No. 1 Nelly Korda enters the week chasing a rare feat: three consecutive major titles to open a season. The last player to accomplish this was Inbee Park in 2013, making Korda's pursuit a defining storyline of the 2026 LPGA season. The field is bolstered by all top 100 players from the LPGA points list, and broadcast coverage across NBC, Peacock, and Golf Channel totals 26 hours — matching the Women's Open.

AI Transforms the Analytics Experience

Building on the "KPMG Performance Insights" platform launched five years ago, this year's event introduces AI-powered enhancements:

- Player round reels: Automated video breakdowns of each player's round using shot-level data - Media shot data access: Granular performance statistics available in real time - Live outcome prediction engine: AI-driven probability modeling during play - Caddie microphones: On-course strategy conversations broadcast live to viewers

Strokeslab Perspective

From a data-driven standpoint, the expansion of shot-level analytics access is the most significant development. Bringing Strokes Gained-style granularity to live broadcasts and media pipelines could meaningfully accelerate fan literacy around advanced performance metrics in women's golf.