PHOENIX, AZ – The LPGA Tour heads to Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Phoenix, Arizona, this week for the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, a $3 million event running from March 26-29. The tournament features a strong field, including many of the world’s top players, as they compete for a winner’s share of $450,000. This year’s competition marks the third edition of the Ford Championship, and the LPGA season’s sixth event.
Defending champion Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea arrives in Arizona with recent momentum, having secured a victory at last week’s Fortinet Founders Cup. Kim, 30, boasts eight LPGA Tour titles, including one major championship, alongside two wins on the Ladies European Tour, one on the LPGA of Japan Tour, and an impressive 14 victories on the LPGA of Korea Tour. Her recent form makes her a clear contender, but she’ll face a formidable challenge from a field stacked with talent.
A Highly Competitive Field
The 2024 Ford Championship boasts a particularly strong field, with 18 of the top 20 players in the Rolex Rankings participating, including eight currently in the top ten. Among those vying for the title are Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked number one with eight tour victories, and American Nelly Korda, ranked number two with 16 career wins, including two major championships. Both players have already secured victories earlier this season, signaling their strong form.
Beyond the top contenders, a host of other skilled golfers are set to compete. England’s Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, Mao Sago, Nasa Hataoka, and Rio Takeda, and the Korean sisters Chizzy and Akie Iwai – both of whom found success last year – all add depth to the competition. Lydia Ko of New Zealand, Ruoning Yin of China, and Korean players Sei Young Kim, Haeran Ryu, and Hye Jin Choi are also expected to contend. The American contingent includes Auston Kim, Rose Zhang, and Lauren Coughlin, alongside Canadian Brooke M. Henderson, Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, and Australia’s Cassie Porter.
Italian Duo Seeking Momentum
Representing Italy, Benedetta Moresco and Carolina Melgrati will be looking to improve on their recent performances. Moresco, 24, from Vicenza, is making her fifth appearance in the tournament. Melgrati, 23, of Monza, is a rookie on the LPGA Tour and is competing in her second event. Both players missed the cut at the Fortinet Founders Cup, and will be aiming to find their form at Whirlwind Golf Club.
The Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club, designed by Gary Parente, presents a challenging test for the players. The par-72 layout stretches over 6,630 yards and features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast, firm greens. Players will need precision and accuracy off the tee, as well as a deft touch around the greens, to navigate the course successfully.
The Ford Championship’s leaderboard is available for live updates throughout the tournament at the official LPGA website.
Looking Ahead
As the LPGA Tour progresses, the Ford Championship offers a crucial opportunity for players to gain valuable points in the Race to the CME Group Tour Championship. The competition promises to be fierce, with a number of players looking to build on recent successes and establish themselves as contenders for the season-ending title. The next official update will come following the completion of the final round on Sunday, March 29th, when the champion will be crowned.
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