Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
A landmark change is coming to women’s professional golf.
The LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET) are on the brink of pushing through a groundbreaking merger to further unify the women’s game.
First reported by Golf Digest, the LPGA circuit’s commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan has confirmed at the season-closing CME Group Tour Championship that LET players will vote on an agreement next week.
The LET and LPGA boards has already unanimously agreed on a merger proposal, which needs 60% approval from the LET playing membership to pass.
• Tiger Woods hits unwanted career milestone
• The 33 players who just won a DP World Tour card
Since the two most eminent tours in women’s golf formed a strategic alliance in 2019, the LET has grown from a 19-event tour with an €11.5million total purse to 30 tournaments with €35million in prize money this year.
And the merger would see the LET and LPGA boards work more closely in building global growth opportunities, with the European circuit still retaining its name and a simultaneous schedule under an initial three-year deal.
The LPGA would offer up $1.25million-per-year to the LET to boost prize funds, while the top four players on the LET’s Order of Merit without a LPGA Tour card would earn full status on the American circuit in 2025.
Crucially, the agreement also states that the management of the Team Europe Solheim Cup team would also remain with the LET committee, with the money made from the contest against the US reinvested back into the circuit.
There is, however, a chance the merger could fall through or be altered, depending on the outcome of the player vote on November 21.
Meanwhile, Marcoux Samaan has lauded the “historic growth” of the LPGA Tour after announcing a $15m bump in prize money for the 2024 campaign.
The total purse will be $116.5m next season, with a record winner’s cheque of $4m up for grabs at the CME Group Tour Championship finale in Florida.
bunkered.co.uk have contacted the LET for comment on the impending merger vote.
ALL ABOUT THE MASTERS
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses