Chandler, Arizona, March 12, 2026
The LPGA’s Ford Championship, set to be held at Whirlwind Golf Club, is on track to become a highlight in the golf calendar, with goals to match the vibrant atmosphere of the WM Phoenix Open. Scheduled for late March, the event promises exciting fan engagement, significant prize money, and participation from top players. With its focus on family-friendly activities and cultural heritage celebration, the Ford Championship aims to create an engaging experience for all.
Chandler, Arizona – The LPGA’s Ford Championship, hosted at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, is poised to become a marquee event on the professional golf calendar, with aspirations to create an atmosphere rivaling the celebrated WM Phoenix Open. The upcoming 2026 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is scheduled for March 26-29, building on the success of previous tournaments.
The Ford Championship, which commenced in 2024, has swiftly evolved, moving to the Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler in 2025 after its inaugural year at Seville Golf and Country Club. The event consistently attracts a stellar field of top-ranked players, including past champions Nelly Korda and Hyo Joo Kim, along with other prominent golfers like Lilia Vu and Jeeno Thitikul. With a substantial prize purse of $2.25 million, the tournament offers significant competition for the athletes. Beyond the competition, the Ford Championship focuses heavily on fan engagement, featuring the “Trophy Club” overlooking the 16th green, complete with daily DJs, food, and an open bar. The tournament also emphasizes family-friendly activities and celebrates the cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community, showcasing the community’s economic strength and hospitality. General admission daily tickets begin at $49, with weekly passes and hospitality options also available.
The inspiration for this ambition stems from the renowned WM Phoenix Open, held at TPC Scottsdale, known widely as “The Greatest Show on Grass” and “The People’s Open.” This PGA Tour event is famous for its unique and often boisterous atmosphere, particularly around its stadium-enclosed 16th hole, and attracts massive crowds, with attendance reaching over 700,000 in 2018. While the WM Phoenix Open has a significantly larger prize fund of $9.2 million and attendance figures that can dwarf typical LPGA events (estimated 3,000-5,000 for the Ford Championship), the Ford Championship aims to emulate its vibrant energy and community integration within the women’s professional golf circuit. The Thunderbirds, organizers of the WM Phoenix Open, have also become a Founding Partner of the Ford Championship, providing support and dedicating funds to its purse, further bridging the two events.
The ongoing commitment to fan experience, combined with a world-class field and the distinctive cultural setting of the Gila River Indian Community, positions the LPGA’s Ford Championship to become a standout event, drawing comparisons to the most exciting tournaments in professional golf.
Frequently Asked Questions about the LPGA’s Ford Championship
- What are the dates for the upcoming LPGA Ford Championship?
- The upcoming 2026 LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is scheduled to take place from March 26-29, 2026.
- Where is the LPGA Ford Championship held?
- The LPGA Ford Championship is held at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona.
- What is the prize purse for the LPGA Ford Championship?
- The tournament features a prize purse of $2.25 million.
- Which notable players compete in the LPGA Ford Championship?
- The championship attracts top-ranked players such as past champions Nelly Korda and Hyo Joo Kim, as well as other prominent golfers like Lilia Vu and Jeeno Thitikul.
- What makes the LPGA Ford Championship comparable to the WM Phoenix Open?
- The LPGA Ford Championship aims to create a vibrant event experience and engaging atmosphere, similar to the fan-centric energy of the WM Phoenix Open, offering unique hospitality options like the Trophy Club and family-friendly activities.
Key Features Comparison: LPGA Ford Championship vs. WM Phoenix Open
| Feature | LPGA Ford Championship | WM Phoenix Open |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler, Arizona | TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Tour | LPGA Tour | PGA Tour |
| Established | 2024 | 1932 |
| Prize Purse | $2.25 million | $9.2 million |
| Atmosphere Goal | Vibrant, engaging, family-friendly, cultural celebration | “The Greatest Show on Grass,” “The People’s Open,” party atmosphere |
| Key Fan Features | Trophy Club overlooking 16th green, daily DJs, family activities, cultural heritage focus | Boisterous 16th hole, stadium-like setting, large crowds |
| Notable Attendance (Estimate) | 3,000 – 5,000 | Over 700,000 (e.g., 2018) |
| Organizers/Partners | LPGA Tour, Gila River Indian Community. The Thunderbirds (Founding Partner) | The Thunderbirds |
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