Chandler, Arizona, March 25, 2026
The Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass will take place at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona. This year’s tournament promises an exciting rematch between defending champion Kim Hyo-joo and two-time winner Nelly Korda. With a purse of $2.25 million, the championship features top-ranked players and highlights the intensity of competition on the LPGA Tour. Anticipation builds as players prepare for a thrilling four days of golf, showcasing the best talents in the sport.
Chandler, Arizona
The golf world turns its attention to Arizona as the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is set to commence from Thursday, March 26, to Sunday, March 29, at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass’s Cattail Course. This tournament will feature a highly anticipated rematch between defending champion Kim Hyo-joo and two-time Ford Championship winner Nelly Korda, fresh off their intense battle at the Fortinet Founders Cup.
Kim Hyo-joo arrives in Chandler with significant momentum, having clinched the Fortinet Founders Cup title on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She secured a one-stroke victory over Nelly Korda with a final score of 16-under-par 272. This win marked Kim’s eighth career LPGA Tour title and propelled her to World No. 4 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, making her the highest-ranked Korean player.
Nelly Korda, currently ranked World No. 2, delivered a strong performance at the Fortinet Founders Cup, but ultimately finished as the runner-up. Korda, the 2024 Ford Championship winner, will be looking to reclaim the title this year. Her consistent play and past success at the event set the stage for another compelling challenge against Kim Hyo-joo.
Championship Details and Field
The 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass boasts a total purse of $2.25 million. The tournament venue, the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club, is a par-72 course spanning 6675 yards. Kim Hyo-joo will aim to defend her 2025 Ford Championship title, which she famously won in a playoff after a remarkable final-round comeback.
The field for this year’s championship is exceptionally strong, featuring many of the top-ranked players in women’s golf. Alongside Kim Hyo-joo and Nelly Korda, World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and World No. 3 Charley Hull are also expected to compete, marking their first joint appearance in the same event this year. The presence of these global rivals promises a highly competitive tournament.
Pre-Tournament Buzz
Anticipation for the event is high, with key players participating in pre-tournament press conferences on March 24, 2026. Both Kim Hyo-joo and Nelly Korda, along with Jessica Korda, addressed the media, discussing their preparations and expectations for the upcoming competition. This pre-tournament activity underscores the significance of the Ford Championship on the LPGA Tour schedule.
The LPGA Tour’s 2026 schedule, announced in November 2025, features 33 events with a record prize fund exceeding $132 million nationwide. The Ford Championship, established in 2024, has quickly become a prominent fixture, attracting top talent and delivering thrilling finishes to golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass?
The Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is an LPGA Tour golf tournament held annually at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass’s Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona.
When is the 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass taking place?
The 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is scheduled from Thursday, March 26, to Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Who are the defending champions for the Ford Championship?
Kim Hyo-joo is the defending champion of the Ford Championship, having won the 2025 event, while Nelly Korda won the 2024 Ford Championship.
What is the purse for the 2026 Ford Championship?
The 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass has a total purse of $2.25 million.
Who are some of the top players competing in the 2026 Ford Championship?
Top players expected to compete include Kim Hyo-joo, Nelly Korda, World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, and World No. 3 Charley Hull.
Key Features of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass |
| Dates | March 26-29, 2026 |
| Location | Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, Cattail Course, Chandler, Arizona |
| Purse | $2.25 million |
| Defending Champion (2025) | Kim Hyo-joo |
| Previous Winner (2024) | Nelly Korda |
| Course Par | 72 |
| Course Yardage | 6675 yards |
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