Over the past decade, women’s golf has undergone a transformation — both in visibility and in the depth of talent gracing courses around the world. What was once seen as a niche within the sport is now commanding the attention of sponsors, fans, and the media. Prize purses are growing, global viewership is increasing, and new generations of players are pushing the boundaries of excellence. The rise of women’s golf is not just a trend — it’s a seismic shift in the sport’s landscape.
A Global Stage Expands
The globalization of the LPGA and other women’s tours has been a major driving force behind the sport’s evolution. The LPGA Tour features players from over 30 countries, and international stars are dominating leaderboards. In recent years, the Women’s British Open and the U.S. Women’s Open have reached record viewership numbers, and the inclusion of golf in the Olympics since 2016 has given female players an even bigger platform.
Another major catalyst for growth is the investment from sponsors and governing bodies. The LPGA Tour announced that the 2023 season would offer a record-breaking $101.4 million in total prize money — more than triple what was available a decade ago. Companies like CME Group, KPMG, and AIG are aligning their brands with elite women’s golf, helping to showcase the game’s most talented stars to a broader audience.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
Among the key players driving this golden era, Nelly Korda stands tall. The American superstar is not only the face of U.S. women’s golf but also a global ambassador for the sport. In 2021, she won the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo and became the No. 1 player in the world. Her smooth swing, consistency under pressure, and composed demeanour have drawn comparisons to the greats of the men’s game.
Meanwhile, Jin Young Ko of South Korea continues to impress with her precision and mental fortitude. She has held the world No. 1 ranking multiple times and earned the LPGA Player of the Year award twice. Ko’s 2021 season was particularly memorable: she hit 63 consecutive greens in regulation and won five tournaments, including the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Atthaya Thitikul, a rising star from Thailand, has quickly captured attention with her all-around game and maturity beyond her years. In 2022, she became the youngest player to reach world No. 1 since Lydia Ko. Her journey from being the No. 1 amateur in the world to an LPGA star has inspired a surge of interest in golf across Southeast Asia.
Youth and Versatility Power the Movement
While veterans like Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson, and Minjee Lee continue to be major forces, a crop of young talents is infusing the game with fresh energy. Rose Zhang, the former Stanford standout and two-time NCAA champion, made headlines in 2023 when she won in her professional debut at the Mizuho Americas Open. She became the first woman in 72 years to accomplish such a feat, immediately drawing comparisons to legends like Annika Sörenstam and Michelle Wie.
Zhang is not alone. Linn Grant of Sweden and Leona Maguire of Ireland have brought European firepower to the LPGA Tour. Grant made history by winning a mixed-gender DP World Tour event, while Maguire became the first Irishwoman to win on the LPGA Tour. Both are part of a growing trend: players who aren’t just skilled, but also trailblazers breaking gender and geographical barriers in golf.
More Than Just a Game
Women’s golf is also growing off the course. Players like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko are using their platforms to advocate for mental health, diversity in sports, and equal pay. They are becoming role models for young athletes, especially girls, who now see a clear path to success in golf.
Social media has further accelerated this trend. Players are engaging directly with fans, sharing behind-the-scenes content, workout routines, and even fashion choices — blending athleticism with personality. This has helped humanize the stars of the game and foster a deeper connection with a younger demographic.
Looking Ahead
With events like the Solheim Cup, increased LPGA coverage on major networks, and investment in junior golf development programs, the future is brighter than ever. The game is faster, more athletic, and more exciting, and fans are responding with growing enthusiasm.
As we move deeper into the 2025 season, the list of key players to watch keeps expanding. Whether you’re tuning in to see if Nelly Korda can extend her dominance, or you’re curious about which amateur phenom might shake up the tour next, one thing is clear: the rise of women’s golf is not just a headline — it’s history in the making.
