2026 Ford Championship to Showcase Top Golf Talent in Phoenix

Golf tournament at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona, February 26, 2026

The LPGA Tour’s upcoming Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass will be held at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix. Scheduled for March 26-29, the event will feature top-ranked golfers including Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda, and Charley Hull. Fans can purchase tickets starting at $49, with special provisions for military personnel. Local talent and returning champions will also add excitement to this esteemed tournament, which boasts a $2.25 million prize purse.

Phoenix, Arizona

Field Coming Together for 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass – LPGA

The LPGA Tour’s 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is poised to welcome top athletes from March 26-29, 2026, at Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course in Phoenix, Arizona. Tickets for this anticipated championship are currently available for purchase.

Top Players to Compete

The tournament field is actively being assembled to feature some of the world’s premier golfers. Early commitments include Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, who has held the top position since August 2025, along with No. 2 Nelly Korda, a 2020 Olympics gold medalist and the 2024 Ford Championship winner. Rolex Rankings No. 3 Charley Hull, who recently secured a victory at the season-opening PIF Saudi Ladies International, is also expected to compete.

The 2025 Ford Championship winner, Hyo Joo Kim, is anticipated to return to Whirlwind Golf Club to defend her title, joined by 2025 runner-up Lilia Vu. The roster of confirmed players also features 2024 gold medalist and LPGA Hall of Fame member Lydia Ko, alongside numerous other major champions, including Celine Boutier, Allisen Corpuz, Brooke Henderson, Ariya Jutanugarn, A Lim Kim, Jennifer Kupcho, Anna Nordqvist, Mao Saigo, Maja Stark, Miyu Yamashita, and Ruoning Yin.

Local Talent and Tournament Details

The Phoenix area will be well-represented, with local resident Sarah Schmelzel, a member of the 2024 Solheim Cup U.S. Team, among the participants. Additionally, Arizona State University alumnae Carlota Ciganda, Linn Grant, Anna Nordqvist, and Linnea Strom are expected to join the field.

The 2026 Ford Championship boasts a significant total prize purse of $2.25 million. Player entries for the tournament are scheduled to officially close on March 18. The event is a key fixture on the LPGA Tour schedule.

Fan Experience and Community Support

Tickets for the championship are available for purchase via SeatGeek.com. General admission daily tickets start at $49, while weekly passes are offered from $129. For an enhanced viewing experience, hospitality tickets for the Trophy Club are priced at $249 for daily admission and $899 for weekly access. The Trophy Club provides excellent views overlooking the 16th green, complemented by daily DJs, diverse food options, an open bar, upgraded restrooms, and general parking access.

In a gesture of appreciation, The Thunderbirds, a Founding Partner of the championship, in collaboration with the LPGA, invites all active-duty, reserve, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel, alongside active U.S. law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs, and one guest, to attend the event free of charge. Eligible guests will have access to The Thunderbirds Military Outpost, a dedicated hospitality area near the 18th green that offers complimentary snacks and beverages.

The Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass was first established in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the dates for the 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass?
    The 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass will be held from March 26-29, 2026.
  • Where will the 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass take place?
    The 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass will take place at Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • Which prominent golfers are expected to play in the 2026 Ford Championship?
    Early commitments for the 2026 Ford Championship include Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, No. 2 Nelly Korda, and No. 3 Charley Hull. Also expected are 2025 Ford Championship winner Hyo Joo Kim, 2025 runner-up Lilia Vu, and major champions such as Celine Boutier, Allisen Corpuz, Brooke Henderson, Ariya Jutanugarn, A Lim Kim, Jennifer Kupcho, Anna Nordqvist, Mao Saigo, Maja Stark, Miyu Yamashita, Ruoning Yin, and LPGA Hall of Fame member Lydia Ko.
  • What is the total prize purse for the 2026 Ford Championship?
    The 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass features a total prize purse of $2.25 million.
  • When do player entries for the 2026 Ford Championship close?
    Player entries for the 2026 Ford Championship will officially close on March 18.
  • Are tickets available for the 2026 Ford Championship, and what are the pricing options?
    Yes, tickets are available for purchase via SeatGeek.com. General admission daily tickets start at $49, with weekly passes starting at $129. Hospitality tickets for the Trophy Club are $249 for daily admission and $899 for weekly access.
  • Are there special accommodations for military personnel and first responders?
    Yes, all active-duty, reserve, retired, and veteran U.S. military personnel, along with active U.S. law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs, and one guest, are invited to attend the event free of charge and will have access to The Thunderbirds Military Outpost.

Key Features of the 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass

Feature Detail
Event Dates March 26-29, 2026
Location Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course in Phoenix, Arizona
Tour LPGA Tour
Prize Purse $2.25 million
Top Ranked Players Expected Jeeno Thitikul (World No. 1), Nelly Korda (World No. 2), Charley Hull (World No. 3)
Returning Champions Hyo Joo Kim (2025 Winner), Nelly Korda (2024 Winner)
Ticket Availability Available at SeatGeek.com
Military/First Responder Access Free admission for eligible personnel and one guest to The Thunderbirds Military Outpost
Entry Deadline March 18 for players

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STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

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