In an exciting announcement made by the PGA of America on Tuesday, the prestigious KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is set to return to Minnesota. Hazeltine National, fondly remembered as the host of the thrilling 2016 Ryder Cup, will once again be the stage for this premier women’s golf event in 2026. With Hazeltine’s rich history of hosting major championships and its commitment to advancing the women’s game, the return of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is cause for celebration.
A Legacy of Excellence:
Hazeltine National’s storied past features a series of memorable golfing events. Noteworthy among them is the 2009 PGA Championship, where Y.E. Yang became the first male player from Asia to secure a major victory, beating the legendary Tiger Woods. Moreover, Hazeltine hosted its first major in 2002, seeing Rich Beem claim his sole major championship. In 2019, Hannah Green of Australia emerged as the victor, making history as the inaugural champion of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at this esteemed course.
Promoting the Women’s Game:
The decision to bring the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship back to Hazeltine National aligns perfectly with the goal of nurturing and elevating women’s golf. LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan emphasized the importance of providing female golfers with opportunities to compete at renowned venues like Hazeltine, enabling them to showcase their skills and inspire others in the rich traditions and history of the sport.
A Commitment to Marquee Courses:
It is encouraging to witness the PGA of America, the USGA, and the LPGA come together in their shared commitment to hosting women’s major championships on prestigious courses. Notably, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship recently took place at Baltusrol in New Jersey, a course renowned for hosting major events on both the men’s and women’s sides. Additionally, Pebble Beach Golf Links, famous for its history in men’s golf, also welcomed the Women’s U.S. Open in 2020. Hazeltine’s return to this distinguished roster signifies its standing in the lineage of exceptional golf courses.
Future Hosts:
Looking forward, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will continue its journey through some of the most iconic venues in golf. The upcoming championships in 2024, 2025, and 2027 will be held at Sahalee Country Club in Washington, PGA Frisco in Texas, and Congressional Country Club in Maryland, respectively. This sequence of events showcases a commitment to ensuring women’s golf is played on the grandest stages, with Hazeltine set to host both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup in 2029, a remarkable feat.
The Future Is Bright:
Golf enthusiasts can anticipate a decade of thrilling tournaments at Hazeltine National. With its return to the women’s golfing landscape and its upcoming staging of the Ryder Cup, Hazeltine is poised to remain a vital and celebrated venue for the sport. As the golfing community eagerly awaits these significant events, Minnesota can be proud of its contribution to the legacy of the game.
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