The field for the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA is set, and while Nelly Korda’s white-hot win streak has cooled after two consecutive missed cuts, she remains the most intriguing player at Sahalee Country Club.
This marks the second time the KPMG has come to Sahalee, which takes its name from the Chinook phrase “High Heavenly Ground.” Brooke Henderson defeated Lydia Ko in a playoff eight years ago in Sammamish, when both were still hotshot teenagers. Ariya Jutanguarn, then 20, finished alone in third.
There’s much on the line this week beyond a trophy, however, as many are scrambling to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The field will be finalized immediately following the KPMG.
While past champions of this event can tee it up indefinitely, just getting into the field at Sahalee was an accomplishment for many. Here’s a closer look at how the field of 156 shaped up for the 70th KPMG Women’s PGA – beyond the stars:
Keep an eye on …
Jiyai Shin of South Korea reacts to her putt on the fifth hole during the final round of the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship at Palos Verdes Golf Club on March 24, 2024 in Palos Verdes Estates, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
A total of 15 players made it into the field off the Rolex Rankings list as of May 20. That list includes Jiyai Shin, a former World No. 1 who is desperate to qualify for the Olympics. Shin, who now competes on the Japan LPGA, had two top-3 finishes at the majors in 2023. She’s competing in this event for the first time since 2017.
Japan’s Akie Iwai and twin sister Chisato are also in the field off the rankings. Iwai comes into the KPMG hot off a win on the JLPGA over the weekend thanks to a closing 64. She birdied four of the last five holes to win by a stroke.
ShopRite surge
Maria Fassi of Mexico hits her tee shot on the fourth hole during the second round of the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship at Palos Verdes Golf Club on March 22, 2024 in Palos Verdes Estates, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The ShopRite LPGA Classic was the cutoff point for qualifying via the CME Globe points list and a number of players played their way in with solid performances on the Jersey Shore: Morgane Metraux, Maria Fassi, Yue Ren, Mina Harigae, Haeji Kang, Pornanong Phatlum, Dottie Ardina and Ssu-Chia Cheng.
The other pros
Former Epson Tour player Allie White now serves as director of golf at Lancaster (Ohio) Golf Club. (courtesy photo)
There are eight teaching professionals in the field this week, including 51-year-old Wendy Ward, a four-time winner on the LPGA competing in her 19th career KPMG Women’s PGA and first since 2013. Ward, 51, now works as a golf instructor at Manito Golf & Country Club in Spokane, Washington, and qualified via the 2023 LPGA Professionals National Championship.
Other LPGA and PGA teaching pros who qualified include Epson Tour journeywoman Allie White of Lancaster, Ohio; Kim Paez of Peoria, Arizona; Samantha Morrell of Naples, Florida; Allie Knight of Knoxville, Tennessee; Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth of Fleming Island, Florida; Sandra Changkija of Kissimmee, Florida; and Jennifer Borocz, also of Kissimmee, Florida.
Early withdrawal
In Gee Chun looks on during the first round of the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club. (Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Past champion In Gee Chun, who won the KPMG at Congressional two years ago, withdrew from the field due to injury and was replaced by Alena Sharp.
Chun is coming off a disappointing missed cut at Lancaster Country Club, the community that embraced her as one of their own after her 2015 U.S. Women’s Open triumph.
A word from our sponsors
Mariah Stackhouse hits her tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club on June 23, 2022 in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
There are two sponsor invites in the field this week: Mariah Stackhouse and Bronte Law.
Last woman in
Cydney Clanton, of Concord, N.C., drives the ball on hole 3 during the final round of the 2023 Kroger Queen City Championship in at Kenwood Country Club in Madeira, Ohio, on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.
A final spot in the field was held for the winner of the Meijer LPGA Classic. But because Lilia Vu was already in the KPMG field, the 156th spot went to alternate Cydney Clanton.
Muni He is now the event’s first alternate.
