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Does the no-cut format make the CME Championship more thrilling or less competitive?

And what a year it’s been. From battling unpredictable weather to delivering jaw-dropping performances, the LPGA season has seen it all. The players have spent months grinding it out, accumulating precious CME points just to make it to this moment—the grand finale. And now, it’s finally here.

Let’s be honest: if it’s the season-ending event, it has to be grand, right? With big names like World No. 1 Nelly Korda in the field, the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship already makes it watch-worthy. Throw in the $4 million winner’s check—the largest single prize in women’s golf history—and you’ve got yourself an unmissable showdown. But wait, here comes a twist: this finale doesn’t just bring high stakes; it shakes things up with a format that’s a little different from the rest of the season.

Unlike most LPGA events, the CME Group Tour Championship doesn’t have a cut. That’s right—no mid-tournament elimination here. This means the top 60 players from the Race to the CME Globe standings, all of whom have earned their spots, get to compete in all four rounds. The tournament will unfold November 18–24 at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, giving players a full stage to showcase their talent without the pressure of being sent home early.

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So, what does that mean for the pros? For starters, they can take a breath and play a little freely. The players can take more calculated risks or recover from a rough start without the fear of missing the cut. While it does help them to focus better on their game, it won’t exactly be a cakewalk. No cut doesn’t mean no pressure. If anything, it makes the competition even more fierce. Since everyone plays all four rounds, consistent performance becomes more crucial. Meanwhile, a single bad round might not spell disaster, but it could be the difference between a million-dollar payday and walking away empty-handed.

But. Yes, there is always a but. On the other hand, not having a cut actually means more pros than cons for the participants. Players who start slow can fight their way back, knowing they’re still in the game. That said, there’s still plenty of pressure in a no-cut event. After all, it’s the season finale with a $11 million purse. Even if the threat of elimination isn’t there, the stakes are sky-high.

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The CME Group Tour Championship is more than an event

What’s your perspective on:

Does the no-cut format make the CME Championship more thrilling or less competitive?

Have an interesting take?

By now, you know why the season finale is going to be grand. But there are even more layers to this event. Sure, the impressive prize money is a big motivator for the players, but there’s something even more profound driving them: a cause that goes beyond the fairways. The CME Group Tour Championship isn’t just the final tournament of the LPGA season; it’s a chance to make a real difference.

This event stands out for its commitment to giving back, thanks to the CME Group Cares Challenge, a charitable initiative that runs throughout the season. The program raises critical funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is dedicated to advancing treatments for childhood cancer.

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So, when the players step up to the tee, it’s not just about chasing victory—it’s about making an impact. Every time an LPGA pro sinks a hole-in-one, CME Group donates $20,000 to St. Jude. This year alone, the program has raised $560,000, already surpassing its $500,000 goal.

When a cause like this is tied to each swing, the action becomes so much more meaningful. And now, with all the backstory behind this prestigious event, it’s clear why it’s one you won’t want to miss. So, are you excited for the season finale? Let us know in the comments!

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