If you’re asked why players compete, the immediate answer would be for position and money, right? Well, yes, that matters, but it’s not the whole story. For years, the conversation surrounding women’s golf was often about money—how little female players earned compared to their male counterparts. But as prize money continues to rise, Jessica Korda is quick to remind us that for women in the game, the issue was never just about the paycheck.

During her first appearance on the Smylie Show, Korda reflected on how much the game has changed since she joined the LPGA in 2011. Back then, she was playing just 15 events, making around $50,000, and finishing 90th on the points list. And now, the scene has completely changed. Purses have jumped by more than 90% since 2021, and the top 100 players saw their average earnings top $1 million in 2024—up from $570,000 in 2021. The CME Group Tour Championship’s purse alone increased by $4 million this year.

You see, the game has indeed come a long way. However, for Korda, it’s not just about the cash. “It’s about the respect,” she said. “It’s not necessarily just about the money; it’s really about the respect because we do play golf four days. It’s the same kind of as the men, basically; you know, we do the same work, the same job, but the respect was just different.”

When players are finally able to get the recognition they deserve, it opens doors to things like retirement plans, family support, and the ability to plan a future beyond golf. What was once out of reach for many is now possible, thanks to those increased prize funds. Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the soon-to-be former LPGA commissioner, deserves major credit for bringing this change.

Mollie Marcoux Samaan’s time comes to a close

Samaan’s time as commissioner was short. She served the third-shortest tenure in Tour history but it was surely impactful. Under her leadership, prize money surged to a record $131 million, and new events like the Black Desert Championship for 2025 were added to the calendar. The LPGA Tour will also return to Mexico after eight long years. Next season, the majors will see $47 million in prize money, spread across three new venues. All because Samaan did what she believed in, grow the game of golf! 

She shared her gratitude, saying, “In this role, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable community of athletes, teachers, partners, tournament operators, industry colleagues, media, fans, volunteers, and staff who share a deep commitment to growing the LPGA and using the organization’s unique platform to empower and advance women and girls. I am proud of the unprecedented growth the LPGA has enjoyed since I began my tenure. The strategy we have built for growth and impact, along with the infrastructure we have added to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity ahead, will serve the LPGA well in the coming decades.”

What do you think of Jessica Korda’s remarks? Let us know in the comments below.