Chandler, Arizona, March 11, 2026
The LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass aims to rival the WM Phoenix Open, scheduled for March 26-29, 2026, at the Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona. With a stunning prize purse of $2.25 million, top-ranked players such as Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda, and Hyo Joo Kim are expected to compete. This tournament is a key addition to the LPGA Tour, which boasts a record prize fund exceeding $132 million and features live TV coverage for every round in 2026.
Chandler, Arizona – The LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is poised to capture significant attention in the golf world, aiming to stand alongside the popular PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open. Scheduled for March 26-29, 2026, the tournament will be held at the Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona. With a substantial prize purse of $2.25 million, the event is set to attract a top-tier field, including current Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, 2024 champion Nelly Korda, and 2025 champion Hyo Joo Kim.
LPGA Tour’s Growing Stature
The LPGA Ford Championship, which debuted in 2024, has quickly established itself as a prominent fixture on the LPGA Tour schedule. The 2026 LPGA Tour season itself features 33 events globally, boasting a record total prize fund exceeding $132 million. A significant development for the tour is the commitment to live television coverage for every round of every event in 2026, a first since 1995, indicating a strong push for increased visibility and fan engagement.
The WM Phoenix Open Benchmark
The aspiration to rival the WM Phoenix Open highlights the LPGA Ford Championship’s ambition. The WM Phoenix Open, held annually in early February at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, is renowned as “The Greatest Show on Grass” and “The People’s Open”. It consistently holds the title for the best-attended golf tournament globally, having drawn a record 719,179 fans over the course of the week in 2018, with a single-day record of 216,818 spectators on a Saturday that year. The tournament is also celebrated for its charitable impact, having raised over $165 million throughout its 85-year history. Its iconic par-3 16th hole, dubbed “The Coliseum,” is famous for its stadium-like atmosphere, seating between 16,000 and 20,000 spectators. While the WM Phoenix Open’s prize fund reached $20 million in 2023, with the winner taking home $3.6 million, the LPGA Ford Championship aims to distinguish itself through competitive play and fan experience.
Key Players and Event Details
The 2026 LPGA Ford Championship promises an exciting lineup of talent. Beyond the top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, Nelly Korda, and Hyo Joo Kim, the preliminary field is expected to include major champions such as Celine Boutier, Allisen Corpuz, Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, Jennifer Kupcho, Lilia Vu, and Ruoning Yin. Nelly Korda also started the 2026 LPGA season strong, winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando in late January/early February. The tournament’s move to Whirlwind Golf Club in 2025 from its inaugural venue, Seville Golf and Country Club, further solidifies its evolving identity within the LPGA Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 LPGA Ford Championship?
The 2026 LPGA Ford Championship is scheduled for March 26-29, 2026.
Where is the 2026 LPGA Ford Championship held?
The 2026 LPGA Ford Championship is held at the Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course in Chandler, Arizona, United States.
What is the prize purse for the 2026 LPGA Ford Championship?
The prize purse for the 2026 LPGA Ford Championship is $2.25 million.
Who are some notable players expected to participate in the 2026 LPGA Ford Championship?
Notable players expected to participate in the 2026 LPGA Ford Championship include Rolex Rankings No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, 2024 winner Nelly Korda, 2025 champion Hyo Joo Kim, and major champions Celine Boutier, Allisen Corpuz, Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, Jennifer Kupcho, Lilia Vu, and Ruoning Yin.
What is the WM Phoenix Open known for?
The WM Phoenix Open is known as “The Greatest Show on Grass” and “The People’s Open”. It is the best-attended golf tournament in the world, with a record attendance of 719,179 fans over the week in 2018, and has raised over $165 million for charities.
Event Comparison: LPGA Ford Championship vs. WM Phoenix Open
| Feature | LPGA Ford Championship (2026) | WM Phoenix Open (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | March 26-29, 2026 | Early February annually |
| Location | Chandler, Arizona, United States | Scottsdale, Arizona, United States |
| Venue | Whirlwind Golf Club, Cattail Course | TPC Scottsdale |
| Purse | $2.25 million | $20 million (2023) |
| Record Attendance (Week) | New event (established 2024) | 719,179 (2018) |
| Charitable Contributions | (Information not provided in snippets) | Over $165 million (85-year history) |
| Nickname | (Information not provided in snippets) | “The Greatest Show on Grass,” “The People’s Open” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona State Women’s Golf Achieves Top-5 Finish at Darius Rucker Intercollegiate
Women’s Golf Concludes Day Two of Darius Rucker Intercollegiate
2026 Ford Championship to Showcase Top Golf Talent in Phoenix
Arizona high school golfer leads team to back-to-back state titles
Surrey Hosts Angela Arora Golf Classic to Support Youth
Aphrodite Deng Impresses at Canadian Women’s Open Golf
NAU Women’s Golf Team Reveals Tournament Schedule
