The season’s third major championship, the 70th KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, is all set to begin. The historic championship will commence at the Sahalee Country Club, a place where it was hosted in 2016. That year, Canada’s very own Brooke Henderson won her first major with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff when she managed to out-duel fellow Lydia Ko. Now that she is returning to the same greens after 8 years, it is indeed special for her! 

Henderson was surprised with a commemorative plaque on the 18th hole honoring her historic shot. “This victory made me a lot more popular. It gave me a lot more confidence and really the momentum to continue on with my career,” she shared. The tournament has had a historic presence in women’s golf since its inaugural in 1955, in terms of notable winners, honors, the trophy, growth, exposure, or commitment to women’s leadership. One thing that has been consistent all through the years is the highly coveted silverware! 

How has the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship’s trophy evolved over the years?

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship trophy has evolved significantly since its inception in 1955. It reflects the tournament’s growing prestige and has now added a modern identity. Initially, the trophy was a traditional silver cup, symbolizing the emerging importance of the LPGA Tour. Over the years, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, the design saw minor updates, maintaining its silver composition while becoming more polished and intricately detailed.

In 2015, with the rebranding of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the trophy underwent a substantial redesign. And Malcolm DeMille was honored to refurbish the perpetual trophy. The modern version combines traditional elements with contemporary design, featuring sophisticated engravings, a sleek base, and KPMG branding. That year, a takeaway trophy that winners would take home with them was also created.

The trophy stood at 8″ in diameter by 10″, about 60% of the original size, and was rhodium-plated. It also features past champions’ names and the year they won. Then, in 2022, Malcolm DeMille was asked to increase the size of the champion’s take-home trophy. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship trophy now stands at 10.25″ diameter by 12″ tall.

Jun 25, 2023; Springfield, New Jersey, USA; Ruoning Yin reacts on the 18th hole during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The evolution of the women’s championship and the silverware symbolize the tournament’s rich history. Let us dive deeper to get to know a little bit more about it.

History of the highly coveted major of female golf

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the second oldest women’s major, following the U.S. Women’s Open, which was established seven years earlier in 1946. Formerly, the third major of the season has been known by several names: LPGA Championship, Eve-LPGA Championship, Mazda LPGA Championship, McDonald’s LPGA Championship, and Wegmans LPGA Championship.

The notable past champions include the likes of LPGA founders Marlene Hagge and Louise Suggs, as well as some of the game’s greatest players, including Mickey Wright, Kathy Whitworth, Nancy Lopez, Annika Sörenstam, and Inbee Park. The Women’s PGA Championship has seen a few remarkable players who have managed to defend their titles successfully. 

Mickey Wright defended her 1960 title in 1961, adding to her impressive list of major victories and cementing her legacy as a golfing legend. Annika Sörenstam (Winner 2003, 2004, 2005) and Inbee Park (Winner 2013, 2014, 2015) are the only ones to achieve a three-peat, showcasing their incredible skill and determination. 

With this year’s tournament set to begin on June 20th, who are you rooting for? Tell us in the comments section below.