The U.S. Women's Open purse has increased to $10 million this year from $5.5 million last year thanks to the championship's first ever presenting sponsor, the non-profit health organization ProMedica. By 2026, the purse will rise to $12 million.
For USGA CEO Mike Whan, the nearly-doubled purse benefits today's women's golfers and the next generation.
"The USGA prides itself on conducting championships that not only provide an incredible stage for the athletes, but also give younger players something to dream about," Whan said in a statement. "For more than 75 years, the U.S. Women's Open has been the one that every little girl, in every country around the world, has dreamed of winning."
Partnering with @ProMedicaHealth is just the beginning... pic.twitter.com/BBrF6Rezlj
— U.S. Women's Open (USGA) (@uswomensopen) January 7, 2022
Rising purses are becoming increasingly common within women's golf. The 2021 AIG Women's British Open had a then-record $5.8 million prize fund, and the 2022 championship's purse is a full $1 million higher.
The 2022 U.S. Women's Open winner will earn $1.8 million while the 2022 CME Group Tour Championship winner will earn an LPGA record $2 million. Only 27 women's golfers have earned $2 million or higher over an entire season, as Golfweek pointed out.
ProMedica isn't solely supporting women's golf by serving as the 2022 U.S. Women's Open presenting sponsor. The organization also hopes to raise money for its charity, the ProMedica Impact Fund, with its participation.
Whan says the partnership between the U.S. Women's Open and ProMedica will only grow stronger and more impactful for women's golf year by year.
"This partnership with ProMedica allows us to substantially grow the championship in every way, from its purpose, to its purse, to the places that host the event," Whan said. "While I'm incredibly proud of what we are announcing today, I know this is just the beginning, as together with ProMedica, we'll push to change the game and what it means to young women worldwide in order to reach new heights every year."
The 2022 U.S. Women's Open will take place at the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club from June 2-5.
