The fifth Women’s Major of the season is set to kick off in just a few hours! From World No. 1 Nelly Korda to Olympic Gold Medal winner Lydia Ko, the 144-player field includes some of the best female golfers vying for the win at the event with the largest purse on the LPGA Tour. Last year, American professional golfer Lilia Vu won the title, taking home a whopping $1.35 million from the $9 million purse.

She is back again to defend the famous piece of silverware that she lifted at the Old Course in 2023. But what is so unique about the AIG Women’s Open trophy?

The fluted designed trophy by Edward Asprey

This year, the purse size has increased to $9.5 million at the AIG Women’s Open, and the winner will take home $1.425 million. Along with that, they are also entitled to the decorated trophy designed by Edward Asprey. He has designed many other coveted trophies, including the Falcon Trophy (Abu Dhabi JSBC Championship) on the DP World Tour.

The trophy features an elegant fluted design. The floral pattern on it makes it all the more unique. This trophy was first awarded at the Ricoh Women’s British Open at the oldest golf course in 2007. Lorena Ochoa was the first recipient.

Apart from her, top players like Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, and Inbee Park have also had their names etched on this iconic trophy championship, they will get a five-year tour exemption. But what other exemptions do the LPGA members get, apart from the trophy and the prize money?

An exemption into the Open and other Majors

The greatest benefit for an LPGA player claiming victory at the final Women’s Major is the lifetime exemption into the championship until the age of 60. Furthermore, apart from the 650 points awarded towards the Race to CME Globe, they will also receive exemptions from the other Majors as well. The winner of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open will be eligible to play in the other four Majors for five years each, without having to qualify every season.

It’s like a golden ticket to appear in all the 25 Majors over the next five seasons! Also, since it is a Major, winning will be highly beneficial for players aiming for the last few spots on the Solheim Cup 2024 team. Unlike other regular events, winning the AIG Women’s Open will offer double Solheim Cup points, making this week’s victory at St. Andrews all the more significant.

Are you excited for the final majors to begin? Let us know what excites you most about it in the comments section below!