2025 LPGA Season Odds and Ends

[18majors]

Rose's Instagram announcement:

 

"This post is a little recap of my life to share with everyone. It’s been a bit disappointing as I processed a little bit of the last couple weeks on and off the golf course. 
Safe to say, things haven’t been too hot for me in the golf realm and I found myself struggling to compete in high spirits due to an injury. Just remember, this isn’t a sob story 😂
While this period is unique and frustrating, I find great optimism in getting better and working hard to compete at the highest level. Thank you so so much to my team, sponsors, family, and friends for supporting me in this process. It’s going to be a long and patient ride, but it’s always a blessing to do what I do and have what I have. 
That being said, I will be pulling out of the JM Eagle event in LA to help aid my recovery. Hope to see y’all soon 🥰
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ~ Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬"

 

Hope she recover enough for Chevron the next week!

 

[18majors]

 

Las Vegas, especially Summerlin, is a good choice:

LPGA players join long list of pro golfers relocating to Las Vegas

 

"Haeran Ryu, the No. 10 player in the world, and Lucy Li have recently moved to Las Vegas, joining close to two dozen other LPGA, PGA and Korn Ferry players in the area. Li is so new to the city that she was still settling in as she played in last week’s T-Mobile Match Play at Shadow Creek."

 

 

[Argonne69]

18 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

Las Vegas, especially Summerlin, is a good choice:

LPGA players join long list of pro golfers relocating to Las Vegas

 

"Haeran Ryu, the No. 10 player in the world, and Lucy Li have recently moved to Las Vegas, joining close to two dozen other LPGA, PGA and Korn Ferry players in the area. Li is so new to the city that she was still settling in as she played in last week’s T-Mobile Match Play at Shadow Creek."

 

 

 

I dunno. Winters aren't particularly warm. Summers are brutal, but of course pros aren't home much in August. 

 

[18majors]

No comparison, Chevron has been a much better sponsor than ANA:

 

[Argonne69]

11 minutes ago, 18majors said:

No comparison, Chevron has been a much better sponsor than ANA:

 

 

Yeah, but I'd still rather see the tournament played at Mission Hills.

 

Indio.

 

[Treats]

7 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I dunno. Winters aren't particularly warm. Summers are brutal, but of course pros aren't home much in August. 

 

For golf pros, there are 3 states without state income tax. FLA, TX and NV.

It can also be somewhat on the cooler side in some parts of FLA & TX in the winter.

 

I'm no US weather expert, but it can get pretty humid & hot in FLA & TX in the summer.

Yes, I've walked the Strip in LV in Aug, although not ideal, at least minimal humidity.

I'm not expert on LV, but might chose to live in Henderson. Years ago played Boulder Creek in south LV.

Some here might remember LPGA pro, Erica Blasberg, who committed suicide in May 2010. I believed she lived in Henderson.

 

Gulbis had/has a home in Reflection Bay. Looks like a nice area.

Not sure if Gulbis is still married to Josh, I think she spends most of her time in CAL.

 

I hear it's also getting difficult to get home insurance in FLA, because of the hurricane threats.

I also heard some parts of CAL can also be difficult to obtain home insurance too (fires).

 

I think many of the pros, have an 'honarary" membership at clubs to practice with having to pay an initiation.

Maybe pay a monthy due and all F&B charges.

 

I think a WRX member said Lydia & hubby have playing & practice privledges at Olympic Club and saw them at the range and said hi.

[Treats]

6 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Yeah, but I'd still rather see the tournament played at Mission Hills.

 

Indio.

 

Except for it's long tenure, I see nothing special about Mission Hills.

Except for 18 & the tradition of jumping into Poppie's Pond, is Mission Hills that great a course? Is it that memorable? Are there many holes that stick out? IMO. No.

Is it really a "Major" track?

 

IMO. 18 would be better played as a long par 4. More risk/reward to close out a tournament.

Except for Bam Bam's power to eagle 18 and Webb's hole out. IMO. Not much risk bunting a 2nd shot short of the pond and then hitting a wedge to try to make birdie.

Maybe, I'm wrong. I don't see too many LPGA going for the green in 2 over the course of 4 days. I've never attended to make judgement right or wrong.

Maybe my memory is not good. Except for IK Kim's short missed putt and Ariya's snip hook drive into the penalty area in 2016, have there been many LPGA pros who choked on 18 to losee out and not close out this major?

 

For a major, attendance was also weak Thurs and Fri, especially in the PM waves.

The galleries weren't huge on the weekend.

The residents of PS don't support pro golf. They like playing, but not really attending the events. I know some snowbirds and they seldom attend the events. They'd rather play golf. The Amex is never really well attended.

 

I don't know how an event can be considered a major without large galleries. The men's majors don't suffer for attendance. The 4 tennis majors also don't suffer attendance.

 

I have always thought this major to be best served at a venue in LA. The issue was always finding a great LA private willing to host a LPGA major.

[JungleJimbo]

 

 

[Treats]

7 hours ago, 18majors said:

No comparison, Chevron has been a much better sponsor than ANA:

 

I think the only thing we can say about Chevron is that they have provided a much bigger purse than ANA.

Is Chevron a better sponsor? I say the answer is not obvious.

 

Many fans and LPGA pros wanted this major to stay at Mission Hills.

Yes, Chevron's HQ is in Houston.

But with Chevron's deep pockets, could they not have flown in their VIP customers, suppliers, vendors for a 3-5 boondoogle?

 

Apart from the money and larger purse, I think ANA was a better sponsor.

Why?

Whan & Co. knew Kraft Nabisco was not going to renew their sponsorship.

Yet, in the years leading up to 2014, they didn't have a readily available sponsor to step in.

Whan & the LPGA were prepared to flip the bill in 2015 if a sponsor was not found.

Where was Chevron and other US companies when a sponsor was needed for a US based major for 2015? No where to be found.

So here a Japanese airline stepped in to sponsor a major in Cal. in 2015 and for 8 years until 2022.

So it could be argued that ANA is a better sponsor than Chevron, except for the large purse.

If the weather was better in late March/early April, ANA could have strong armed Whan to relocate the women's 1st major to Japan, just like the relocation to Houston under Mollie's reign.

 

A somewhat, not the same situation, occured in 2000 in Canada. New Canadian laws, stated that tobacco companies could not longer advertise/sponsor sporting events. A replacement sponsor could not be secured fast enough for 2001 and the CWO lost it major status to the WBO.

[Treats]

On 4/6/2025 at 2:58 PM, 18majors said:

Rose's Instagram announcement:

🥰
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ~ Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬"

 

Hope she recover enough for Chevron the next week!

 

I think our Beloved Rose would be a good candidate to recruit for Brooke, JYK & Gaby's bible study classes. I know I'm missing others. Who are they?

[JungleJimbo]

30 minutes ago, Treats said:

I think our Beloved Rose would be a good candidate to recruit for Brooke, JYK & Gaby's bible study classes. I know I'm missing others. Who are they?

 

JYK does (or did?) have a bible verse embroidered on her golf bag. (but i can't find a photo with her bag/ verse).

 

https://www.lpga.com/news/2022/peace-that-transcends-all-understanding

 

(will confess some 'cognitive dissonance', when i read Betsy King's quote w.r.t. "In 1997, i won my third Chevron Championship at Mission Hills in California": <== based on @Treats helpful notes above ... was this presumably the Kraft Nabisco at the time? (not even yet the ANA!).

"In 1997, I won my third Chevron Championship at Mission Hills in California. It would turn out to be the last of my six major championship wins. But what I remember most is that the final round fell on Easter Sunday. Tournament organizers, along with the fellowship leaders on the LPGA Tour, put together a sunrise service next to the 18th green of the Tournament Course. Members, fans, volunteers and some players gathered in the grandstands beside Poppie’s Pond to watch the sun come up over the San Jacinta Mountains and worship our risen savior."

 

Edited April 10 by JungleJimbo

[JungleJimbo]

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

9 hours ago, Treats said:

Except for it's long tenure, I see nothing special about Mission Hills.

Except for 18 & the tradition of jumping into Poppie's Pond, is Mission Hills that great a course? Is it that memorable? Are there many holes that stick out? IMO. No.

Is it really a "Major" track?

 

IMO. 18 would be better played as a long par 4. More risk/reward to close out a tournament.

Except for Bam Bam's power to eagle 18 and Webb's hole out. IMO. Not much risk bunting a 2nd shot short of the pond and then hitting a wedge to try to make birdie.

Maybe, I'm wrong. I don't see too many LPGA going for the green in 2 over the course of 4 days. I've never attended to make judgement right or wrong.

Maybe my memory is not good. Except for IK Kim's short missed putt and Ariya's snip hook drive into the penalty area in 2016, have there been many LPGA pros who choked on 18 to losee out and not close out this major?

 

For a major, attendance was also weak Thurs and Fri, especially in the PM waves.

The galleries weren't huge on the weekend.

The residents of PS don't support pro golf. They like playing, but not really attending the events. I know some snowbirds and they seldom attend the events. They'd rather play golf. The Amex is never really well attended.

 

I don't know how an event can be considered a major without large galleries. The men's majors don't suffer for attendance. The 4 tennis majors also don't suffer attendance.

 

I have always thought this major to be best served at a venue in LA. The issue was always finding a great LA private willing to host a LPGA major.

 

Yes, Mission Hills isn't particularly memorable, but then again neither is The Club at Carlton Woods. We all know that attendance at the LPGA events is poor. I don't recall seeing huge crowds in Houston. Given the size of the metropolitan area there, the crowds should be massive.

 

I don't think a major needs to held at the same course every year. The Masters is obviously the exception. Like the KPMG and WBO, I'd like to see the Chevron rotate through a number of courses that include a course in Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.

 

 

 

[JungleJimbo]

If the Tour quietly organised a surprise 21st birthday party for you... 

... would you hope for (expect?) some cold beer to be included at the party?

 

 

[iBanesto]

9 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

 

JYK does (or did?) have a bible verse embroidered on her golf bag. (but i can't find a photo with her bag/ verse).

 

https://www.lpga.com/news/2022/peace-that-transcends-all-understanding

 

(will confess some 'cognitive dissonance', when i read Betsy King's quote w.r.t. "In 1997, i won my third Chevron Championship at Mission Hills in California": <== based on @Treats helpful notes above ... was this presumably the Kraft Nabisco at the time? (not even yet the ANA!).

"In 1997, I won my third Chevron Championship at Mission Hills in California. It would turn out to be the last of my six major championship wins. But what I remember most is that the final round fell on Easter Sunday. Tournament organizers, along with the fellowship leaders on the LPGA Tour, put together a sunrise service next to the 18th green of the Tournament Course. Members, fans, volunteers and some players gathered in the grandstands beside Poppie’s Pond to watch the sun come up over the San Jacinta Mountains and worship our risen savior."

 

 

[JungleJimbo]

15 minutes ago, iBanesto said:

 

thanks @iBanesto for sharing this JYK video... 

 

...despite being similar to "Tiktok shopping demo/ cosmetic market" Livestreams ... oddly, i enjoyed it and it explains why JYK's skin looks good despite hours under the sun (i.e. the laser treatments at home with Rejuran skincare products, etc)

 

Her practice game with "eunnie" Sung Hyun Park ("Namdalla") was cute.

 

Edited April 10 by JungleJimbo

[postfold]

10 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

Her practice game with "eunnie" Sung Hyun Park ("Namdalla") was cute.

 

Bet she kept her head on a swivel, you never know when those Attack Girls might appear. 

[Argonne69]

18 minutes ago, postfold said:

 

Bet she kept her head on a swivel, you never know when those Attack Girls might appear. 

 

 

[18majors]

 

Commissioner search updates:

LPGA commissioner search narrows, two golf industry leaders have emerged

 

"he LPGA’s search for its 10th commissioner is nearing the home stretch, sources tell Golfweek, and the short list now includes Korn Ferry Tour president Alex Baldwin and PGA of America Chief Operating Officer Craig Kessler."

[JungleJimbo]

17 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

Commissioner search updates:

LPGA commissioner search narrows, two golf industry leaders have emerged

 

"he LPGA’s search for its 10th commissioner is nearing the home stretch, sources tell Golfweek, and the short list now includes Korn Ferry Tour president Alex Baldwin and PGA of America Chief Operating Officer Craig Kessler."

 

 

[Treats]

16 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Yes, Mission Hills isn't particularly memorable, but then again neither is The Club at Carlton Woods. We all know that attendance at the LPGA events is poor. I don't recall seeing huge crowds in Houston. Given the size of the metropolitan area there, the crowds should be massive.

 

I don't think a major needs to held at the same course every year. The Masters is obviously the exception. Like the KPMG and WBO, I'd like to see the Chevron rotate through a number of courses that include a course in Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.

 

 

 

Yes, Houston & CW are a letdown.

IMO. How can a major feel like a major without fan support,

Can one imagine the Super Bowl with only 10000 fans in the stadium.

 

I like your idea of a rotating major in Asia. Asia deserved a major long ago. The new Commish needs to think outside the box.

Although Chevron has Caltex in Asia. I'd say thanks Chevron for the purse increase, but Houston failed us and not renew the contract.

 

Womens golf is far more popular in S. Korea & Japan. How hard would it be for the new Commish to sell a major idea to the likes of HSBC, Honda, Toyota, Samsung, etc. All with deep pockets to support a large purse.

It would have to be pushed to late or early May to for the weather in S. Korea & Japan.

Have a rota like The Open Championship.

Host venues in Japan, Incheon, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. The LIV event in HK was well attended. Golf is not popular in China (only for the elite) so I don't think there would bee huge galleries in Shanghai or Beijing. I could be wrong. Heck, even Kuala Lampur.

They could host in mid March in the warmer cities.

 

With so many Asian LPGA pros and US born Asian pros IMO Asia deserves a major. The US would still have the USWO & KMPG.

I have to believe this major would be well attended in the above countries. 

 

I'd also like to see the major status of the Amundi axed.

It could be the crown jewel of the LET and co-sanctioned with the LPGA.

[JungleJimbo]

2 minutes ago, Treats said:

Yes, Houston & CW are a letdown.

IMO. How can a major feel like a major without fan support,

Can one imagine the Super Bowl with only 10000 fans in the stadium.

 

I like your idea of a rotating major in Asia. Asia deserved a major long ago. The new Commish needs to think outside the box.

Although Chevron has Caltex in Asia. I'd say thanks Chevron for the purse increase, but Houston failed us and not renew the contract.

 

Womens golf is far more popular in S. Korea & Japan. How hard would it be for the new Commish to sell a major idea to the likes of HSBC, Honda, Toyota, Samsung, etc. All with deep pockets to support a large purse.

It would have to be pushed to late or early May to for the weather in S. Korea & Japan.

Have a rota like The Open Championship.

Host venues in Japan, Incheon, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. The LIV event in HK was well attended. Golf is not popular in China (only for the elite) so I don't think there would bee huge galleries in Shanghai or Beijing. I could be wrong. Heck, even Kuala Lampur.

They could host in mid March in the warmer cities.

 

With so many Asian LPGA pros and US born Asian pros IMO Asia deserves a major. The US would still have the USWO & KMPG.

I have to believe this major would be well attended in the above countries. 

 

I'd also like to see the major status of the Amundi axed.

It could be the crown jewel of the LET and co-sanctioned with the LPGA.

 

many good/ fair points @Treats

... but IMHO ... Asia would face several near-term headwinds w.r.t. hosting a women's golf Major.

 

My view = South Korea, Japan, Thailand = might have the necessary underlying factors / sizeable crowds, to host a successful women's golf Major in Asia

• Singapore: relatively sparse local crowds at the HSBC WWC? But SG Tourism Board has shown it is willing to share costs/ do the relevant promotion (given tourism is a KPI for SG's GDP ... see the example of Taylor Swift 'exclusive' concerts in SG (6 nights?) & ministerial involvement to broker the exclusivity deal).
• Hong Kong: Has the hinterland w.r.t .China... your observations w.r.t. China govt viewing golf as 'bourgeoisie' = relevant (but doesn't stop decent-sized crowds/ participation).
• Economic headwinds: Remember the "JTBC incident", i.e. the South Korean media company & non-payment of committed/ contractual payments w.r.t. hosted LPGA events (that led to cancellation of the Seri Pak LPGA event earlier this year.... and now Tariffs. 

[JungleJimbo]

6 hours ago, postfold said:

 

Bet she kept her head on a swivel, you never know when those Attack Girls might appear. 

 

@postfold impressive memory you have, w.r.t. remembering "Attack Girls"

 

... I sometimes wonder whether that other guy with photographic/eidetic memory, who was active on these LPGA forums ( i.e. @KBong ) visits here incognito? 

 

 

 

[Treats]

17 minutes ago, JungleJimbo said:

 

many good/ fair points @Treats

... but IMHO ... Asia would face several near-term headwinds w.r.t. hosting a women's golf Major.

 

My view = South Korea, Japan, Thailand = might have the necessary underlying factors / sizeable crowds, to host a successful women's golf Major in Asia

• Singapore: relatively sparse local crowds at the HSBC WWC? But SG Tourism Board has shown it is willing to share costs/ do the relevant promotion (given tourism is a KPI for SG's GDP ... see the example of Taylor Swift 'exclusive' concerts in SG (6 nights?) & ministerial involvement to broker the exclusivity deal).
• Hong Kong: Has the hinterland w.r.t .China... your observations w.r.t. China govt viewing golf as 'bourgeoisie' = relevant (but doesn't stop decent-sized crowds/ participation).
• Economic headwinds: Remember the "JTBC incident", i.e. the South Korean media company & non-payment of committed/ contractual payments w.r.t. hosted LPGA events (that led to cancellation of the Seri Pak LPGA event earlier this year.... and now Tariffs. 

Fair points.

They did host LIV events in Singapore. Although not the galleries of other LIV events, still respectable turnout.

IMO...the above incident is an isolated one and should not preclude S. Korea's abilty to host a major considering the fandom of women's golf in S. Korea.

 

Now that you made your post, I have thought about hosting a rotating major in Asia and dealing with the complexity of several countries and their governments too.

 

So let's isolate it to Japan where there would be good candidate hosts venues of 3 or 4 sites.

The big issue being weather in April.

[Treats]

4 hours ago, 18majors said:

 

Commissioner search updates:

LPGA commissioner search narrows, two golf industry leaders have emerged

 

"he LPGA’s search for its 10th commissioner is nearing the home stretch, sources tell Golfweek, and the short list now includes Korn Ferry Tour president Alex Baldwin and PGA of America Chief Operating Officer Craig Kessler."

On paper, both have greater backgrounds and experience vs Bivens & Mollie who both failed to finish their contracts.

 

I'm shocked that it was divulged by the executive search firm and/or the search committee to leak out potential candidates.

This info should be private & confidential.

IMO...this leak is bush league.

 

Now both Alex and Craig are in compromised situations.

If one or both are not successful to become the new LPGA commish, doesn't it demonstrate to their current respective organizations that they lack the loyalty to develop & lead the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA of America.

https://www.sloansportsconference.com/people/alex-baldwin

 

https://www.pga.com/story/craig-kessler-named-chief-operating-officer-of-the-pga-of-america?srsltid=AfmBOorNu3P-N6xZRD2UqZ5Qn4i0zXPlU8ic4UhnU23JAWHhVwRS7S0m

 

 

Edited April 11 by Treats

[Seamus_McDuff]

5 hours ago, JungleJimbo said:

 

@postfold impressive memory you have, w.r.t. remembering "Attack Girls"

 

... I sometimes wonder whether that other guy with photographic/eidetic memory, who was active on these LPGA forums ( i.e. @KBong ) visits here incognito? 

 

 

 

Have others not noticed that kbong has been back for a while under a different name?

[JungleJimbo]

4 hours ago, Seamus_McDuff said:

Have others not noticed that kbong has been back for a while under a different name?

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 11 by JungleJimbo

[18majors]

LA Olympics to include new mixed-gender team events in golf and gymnastics

 

"The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature an expanded program with new mixed-gender team events in several marquee sports, including golf and gymnastics."

 

 

Edited April 11 by 18majors

[18majors]

 

In the end, the best decision Rory McIlroy made in his life is to call off her divorce with Erica Stoll! Congratulations!

 

By the way, Rory added more than 100,000 Instagram followers in one hour after his win.

Edited April 14 by 18majors

[Jonnyuk74]

Most mens golf I've watched for bout 10yrs! But the masters is special. 🤔