KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Top 5 Memorable Moments Explored

The wait is finally over. Keen to deliver on its promise to provide “development, advancement, and empowerment of women on and off the golf course,” the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is all set to spread its enigma at the Sahalee Country Club this weekend. As is almost ritualistic at this point, this fiesta of drama, skill, and unforgettable performances never fails to deliver.

As we stand on the cusp of another historic weekend ahead of us, a glance at its glorious past will reveal a unique mix of memorable moments. From young prodigies registering their names in the books of history to seasoned veterans cementing their legacies, this championship has seen it all. Be it a wire-to-wire victory, risky yet enthralling playoffs, or record-setting performances, each edition of this major championship has added a distinctive story to the books of the rich history of women’s golf. So what are some key moments from the ravages of time that remain unforgettable to this day?

1. When Brooke Henderson became the youngest champ

The 2016 edition of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was like no other. Hosted at the Sahalee Country Club, the young Canadian prodigy, Brooke Henderson, battled against the world’s best to write her name on the walls of the event’s history. At just 18 years old, Henderson battled with the world’s finest at the time, Lydia Ko, in a unique playoff and emerged victorious with her formidable birdie.

Fun Fact: Apart from naming the major title as its youngest winner at 18, Henderson also registered her name in the elite list of players who have made an ace in the event throughout history.

2. A rewind on the historic aces in the KPMG Women’s Open

Magic happens at this major championship. The statement holds true for KPMG Women’s Open as well! Since 1971, the event has witnessed more than two dozen hole-in-ones. The first ace was shot by USA’s Jane Blalock at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in 1974, whereas the most recent one was carded by Pornanong Phatlum in 2022 on the 192-yard par 3 2nd hole when her orange ball worked in her favor with pinpoint accuracy at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

3. Danielle Kang broke her winless drought and earned her first professional

Truly, patience is key, and Kang would attest to this. Danielle Kang finally curbed her thirst for a win in the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. After a six-year-long drought, her first professional title (which was also her first major title) came at Olympia Fields Country Club. The two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion skilfully used her long years of patient learning to shoot four back-to-back birdies to win over the record-breaking defending champion, Brooke Henderson, with all but one stroke.

4. Hannah Green won her first major win in wire-to-wire fashion

The Hazeltine National Golf Club proved to be lucky for Hannah Green in 2019 in more ways than one. Not only did she etch her name on the walls of history by winning her first-ever major title on these greens, but she also became only the third player in the event’s history to do so wire-to-wire. Her major debut was filled with her heartwarming display of courage and consistency, thanks to her striking performance from the opening tee shot to the final putt. She also became the third-ever Australian champion to bring the trophy home with her 9-under 279 for a one-stroke victory over defending champion Sung Hyun Park, adding another strong flavor to her celebratory moment.

Quick Fact: In 2019, Green took not one but two titles home, Her victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship title was followed up by her win at the Portland Classic in September of the same year, when she repeated her patterns and won just by one stroke over Yealimi Noh.

5. When Inbee Park matched Annika Sorenstam’s record

In 2015, Inbee Park walked into the Westchester Country Club with the clear goal of making history. Park’s incomparable show of consistency at this major championship fetched her an interesting third consecutive title in the event’s graces.

Park’s laser focus and unique style led her to a five-stroke victory over runner-up Sei Young Kim and gave her a seat on the table of the highest consecutive wins underscored alongside the likes of Annika Sorenstam. Thus began the journey of greatness for Park, a moment reserved for the books of history and imprinted in the hearts of all those who witnessed it.

As we head into another weekend filled with some of the brightest stars in the women’s game, many unforgettable moments seem to be on the cards.