The 2024 Mizuho Americas Open is currently in play for its second-ever run. The tournament is set against the scenic backdrop of Liberty National, which offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan cityscape. Notable for serving as the venue for major competitions such as the 2017 Presidents Cup, the course lends an air of grandeur to the LPGA Tour.

The news of its significant prize money increase is making chatter all around the golfing world. The tournament has increased its purse to $3 million from $2.75 million last year. With this updated prize, the stage is set for an exciting weekend. Although it remains to be seen who will come out on top, let’s break down the purse to see who gets what in the championship.

Breaking down what the players stand to win at the Mizuho Americas Open

With the revised pool, the winner of the Mizuho Open will receive a substantial $450,000, which is an increase from the $412,500, that was offered the previous year. The runner-up will take home a hefty payout of $282,976. A six-figure reward will be given to each of the top six finishers, capping an LPGA Tour season that broke previous records for prize money. The tournament’s rising prominence and dedication to promoting women’s golf are reflected in the rise in prize money. Here is the complete breakdown of the purse.

There are other benefits offered by the Mizuho Americas Open than just the prize money. In addition, the winner will receive 500 Race to the CME Globe points and significant world ranking points. This increases their odds of participating in the lucrative CME Group Tour Championship, which takes place at the end of the season and has a whopping $11 million reward.

The price is sure lucrative, but there have been some hiccups in the competition. The number of golfers competing at the tournament went from 120 to 110 as 10 golfers sadly withdrew from the field, citing injury and illness as reasons.

Illness ruins the mood at Liberty National

Rose Zhang, the defending champion, was very excited to return. After all, this was the competition that started it all for her! She ended Nelly Korda‘s winning streak last week with a victory at the Cognizant Founders Cup and was in fine condition. She withdrew on the first day after playing three holes, citing unbearable pain in her intestine. What followed was an unfortunate streak of withdrawals. Players like Maja Stark, Paula Creamer, and Ruoning Yin withdrew too. It led to speculation that maybe the tournament had come under an attack from a viral flu, which was later proven correct. The LPGA Tour issued a statement citing that 7 out of 10 golfers are being treated for flu symptoms related to a viral infection.

But the game continues. Now that her rival has gone, Nelly Korda is in contention! Having played 5 holes, she was at 2 under for the day and sat proudly at T4. Will she be able to secure yet another victory, or will it be someone else who takes home the big prize? Only time will tell!