The culmination of the LPGA season is upon us with the highly anticipated CME Group Tour Championship, boasting a staggering $7 million purse—the largest outside the majors. For 60 elite players, this event serves as an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on already impressive seasons. Notably absent from the field are former champions Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko, who failed to secure a spot in the top 60 of the season-long points race.
Heading into the week, the eyes of the golfing world are squarely on the world No. 1, Nelly Korda. The 26-year-old phenom is coming off her fourth victory at The Annika, where she showcased remarkable resilience. Having secured two major championships this season, including the Chevron and the AIG Women’s British Open, Korda’s proven ability to perform on golf’s grandest stages positions her as the clear favorite to clinch the coveted $2 million winner’s check at the CME Group Tour Championship.
Joining Korda in the spotlight is Celine Boutier, who boasts an equally impressive four victories this season, including the Evian Championship in her native France. Seated atop the Race to CME Globe standings, Boutier, despite a recent missed cut at The Annika, remains a formidable force. The French sensation has the opportunity to overtake Korda in the Rolex Player of the Year standings, adding an extra layer of motivation to her quest for victory.
A familiar face at Tiburon Golf Club is Jin Young Ko, the back-to-back winner of the CME Group Tour Championship in 2020 and 2021. Armed with the knowledge of the course and an illustrious season featuring victories at the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Cognizant Founders Cup, Ko is a strong contender to secure her third LPGA title of the year.
Canadian sensation Brooke Henderson is another player to keep a close eye on. With a history of consistent top-10 finishes at the Tour Championship since 2018, Henderson has displayed unwavering prowess. Although her sole victory this season came at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January, a win at the CME would be a fitting conclusion to her season of steady and impressive play.
Last but certainly not least, the U.S. Women’s Open champion, Allisen Corpuz, demands attention in Naples. Since her impactful debut at the Solheim Cup, Corpuz has been trending upward with three top-5 finishes this season. Thriving under pressure, Corpuz’s strong performances make her a compelling contender to feature prominently on the leaderboard at the CME Group Tour Championship.
