19th Hole
‘Made the cut last week and didn’t break even’ – Danielle Kang on financial realities of life on LPGA Tour
There is plenty said about the money available on the PGA Tour, and last year’s announcement of the sharp rise in prize-money for the LPGA and associated events was probably about time.
- Related: ‘She just has that fire’ – Tiger compares Nelly Korda to Serena Williams in glowing appraisal
This week’s Chevron Championship has nearly 40 years of tradition and history behind it but Danielle Kang, winner of six LPGA events including one major championship, admits the extra money comes with extra sponsorship, and inevitable change.
When asked about the ‘fresh blood’ in terms of sponsors, the 29-year-old admitted:
“It’s refreshing, to be honest. It’s because I’m lucky enough to not worry about some of the cash prizes and things like that. I understand sometimes when people look at how much money we make, they get thrown off about you’re making extra amounts and you’re making this much and you’re just complaining.”
“Let’s kind of look at it from a broader perspective. I’m one player. How about the average tour players? I made $6,000 last week, made the cut; I didn’t break even last week. That’s me budgeting. I have to drive, rent a car, get a hotel room. Luckily enough for me I’m sponsored by BMW that provides for me the car. That saves like $500, $1000 etc.”
The winner of January’s Tournament of Champions was enthusiastic about the future:
“We have to think about all these things. So for us, when companies step up and give us an opportunity to make a living, make the tour better and broader and for players to compete and to be an actual job, it’s nice to see that.”
On the move to Houston in 2023, Kang understands that tradition must give way to progress:
“This place has lots of memories, a lot of traditions, and I understand that,” admits Kang. “But sometimes we’re so focused on the move right now that we have taken away the fact that the CEO, Michael Wirth, I think is his name, he upped our prize fund by 60% and is now a $5 million purse.”
“I understand this is one of the most loved events, but we have to elevate this event. It is something — it’s got history, traditions, and it will be an integral part of the championship moving forward, but we need to have bigger prize monies and — prize money, and for the fact that he made it $5 million, I really thank him for that.”
“He elevated it in literally a week. It’s instant. We have courtesy cars. At a Major championship, we’re competing for bigger prizes. It differentiates a Major versus other golf tournaments.”
Many of the previous event winners here this week have admitted sadness that this is the final year at Mission Hills.
2014 champion Lexi Thompson spoke about the tradition of the winner jumping into the greenside pond, started in 1988: “Jumping into Poppie’s Pond is one of my best memories. I think what’s so amazing is the history behind this tournament. Jumping into Poppie’s Pond’s, putting the robe on on the 18th green, just the tradition and history behind it. To be able to walk up the 18th green and see my name there, it’s pretty special.”
As Kang says, though, things must move on:
“Major championships, what makes it a Major? Bigger purse, better players, golf courses, difficulty, level of the golf course. US Open is US Open because of what it is. We play amazing golf tracks. Same thing and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the Open, British Opens. We have to think about why this tournament is so special. Traditions are tradition, but for me, like there is nothing permanent than change.”
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19th Hole
‘You’re f***ing hilarious, aren’t you?’ – Shane Lowry snaps at spectator during WGC Match Play
It’s been a struggle for Shane Lowry throughout his career at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play. Since 2019, the Irishman is now 3-6 at the event prior to the 2023 version of the event.
The struggles continued on Wednesday for Lowry as he found himself two down to Taylor Montgomery on the 17th hole when a fan said something to him after his tee shot.
The frustration finally showed through and Lowry snapped back at the fan.
“You’re f***ing hilarious ,aren’t you?”
Shane Lowry not a happy bunny ?? pic.twitter.com/0V1gHa7kJX
— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) March 22, 2023
Laura Davies on Sky Sports reacted immediately, saying “Apologies for the language.”
Lowry will give it another crack tomorrow as he faces off against Mackenzie Hughes on Thursday at 11:59 A.M. EDT.
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- Pat Perez reportedly confronts journalist over ‘snarky’ comment at opening LIV event
- Paige Spiranac to take on PGA Tour legend in celebrity challenge match this Summer
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Holly Sanders, who was a host on Golf Channel working on “School of Golf” and “Playing Lesson with the Pros,” before going to Fox Sports until 2019.
According to her post on Twitter, the 34-year-old is about to be back in the world of sports in the form of a topless sports league.
@holly_sonders announces the launch of her new topless sports league, and suffice it to say, there are NO complaints over here. https://t.co/Mo6CCS0GB0 pic.twitter.com/MTXvazik3f
— Chulo Magazine (@ChuloMagazine) March 20, 2023
Sonders also made an Instagram post about her new venture, saying she was still looking to “add talent” to the league.
View this post on Instagram
“I will be watching over all operations making sure the content is of the highest quality possible, and that the girls are safe, having fun and enjoying themselves. This league is owned by women and will be run by women. Feminists should praise this as it’s creating opportunities for women.”
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LPGA Tour superstar Nelly Korda recently signed a deal with both TaylorMade and Nike. In a promotional Instagram video for TaylorMade, Korda was hitting the Stealth 2 driver.
The post read: #Fargiveness with a view. ? #TeamTaylorMade is gearing up for a big week in Arizona and striping their #Stealth2Drivers around Superstition Mountain.”
View this post on Instagram
However, the post didn’t go as planned, with some users comparing Korda to Rickie Fowler because of her wardrobe choice, while one user simply said: “Orange pants with red shoes? Bruh for real?”
Korda responded on Instagram shortly after, saying “Don’t hate me for my Orange pants and red shoes,” she wrote. “It was a bit of a wardrobe malfunction.”
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- Pat Perez reportedly confronts journalist over ‘snarky’ comment at opening LIV event
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Pingback: Danielle Kang calls out ‘men’s golfing world’ over parking lot incident at golf course – GolfWRX
Pingback: ‘I’m undefeated on made cuts’ – LPGA pro’s wife shares hilarious notes after caddying for first time – GolfWRX
Ricky James
Apr 17, 2022 at 10:19 pm
They write everything off don’t feel bad for her. I got a quarter for her to buy a rat to naw that mole off her face.
David
Apr 17, 2022 at 1:20 am
Boo-friggin-hoo. She’s made close to $20M from her winnings and endorsements, isn’t even 30 years old. I’m playing the world’s tiniest violin for her.
Michael
Apr 4, 2022 at 10:39 am
Most of the comments here are disgusting and represent the worst kind of ignorance. Mostly, they come from unhappy, miserable men with no sense of accomplishment and deep rotted anger about their own miserable, less the economically successful lives and careers.
These women are discussing the economic challenges of being in business for yourself where someone else doesn’t had you a paycheck for a set amount each week or at all. They are not complaining, but man., most of you are.
The only whining and childish behavior I am reading is from a bunch of arrogant men who are angry and resentful over their own failures. I wonder how many of them are willing to say this to their wives of significant others, especially those that have jobs.
Pro golf is a job like any other job. It’s a game for us and a job for them. You have no idea what it is like and how hard it is to make money, prepare for competition, train, travel expenses, pay coaches, caddies, heath insurance and more.
You clowns embarrass good men everywhere and act like these women are brats. The brats are you immature fools who have find a platform for your whining.
I'm not Michael
Apr 5, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Oh, oh, the king of the trailer park has spoken.
Michael, go back to your lot and relax inside your trailer with your bottle of Wild Turkey.
Thank you for the entertainment goof!
Michael Is A Simp
Apr 5, 2022 at 11:51 pm
Wow! Michael is really saving the day with his blue pilled ad hominem attacks. Did you write this long winded dribble while your wife was having a fun night with Tyrone?
David
Apr 17, 2022 at 1:22 am
Boo hoo. She’s made nearly $20M and she’s not even 30 years old. Cry me a river.
Pingback: ‘Absolutely disgusting’ – LPGA pro blasts Augusta National for its role in major venue change – GolfWRX
Will
Apr 3, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Holly cow! The moronic comments here are just nuts!! What are your problems? She is not complaining about not breaking even. She said that even though she didn’t break even, she’s ok because she has sponsors that pay her more than enough to cover the difference. She’s just pointing out that the “average” tour player may not be as lucky. Honestly she seems very grateful for the opportunities she’s had. She’s not complaining one bit.
Also, tennis only pay the same at the majors and some of the larger tournaments where the men and women share the venue. Not a good comparison…
Simp Buster
Apr 4, 2022 at 12:13 am
If she wasnt complaining then she would have never mentioned it and this article would not exist. I really enjoy the white knighting though!
Michael
Apr 4, 2022 at 10:24 am
What is wrong with you?
Simp Buster
Apr 4, 2022 at 11:09 am
None argument there Michael!
CG
Apr 3, 2022 at 7:44 am
Cry me a river. Then get another job.
Svengoolie
Apr 2, 2022 at 10:28 pm
19TH HOLE‘Made the cut last week and didn’t break even’ – Danielle Kang on financial realities of living above your means on the LPGA Tour
There you go, fixed!
Uncle Fester
Apr 2, 2022 at 4:47 pm
“I am not the cart girl” Danielle Kang. Indeed you’re not. Not even close!
undercoverminitourpro
Apr 1, 2022 at 10:12 pm
$2100 for caddy
$800 for rental car
$500 for flight
$2100 for hotel
+$5000 SOLD ?? T
Made $$$$
Ben
Apr 2, 2022 at 7:13 pm
She lives in Vegas. So the flight was way less than 500. Probably 200 for round trip. Hotels in the area, you can find 250 a night and it’ll be a really nice place. That’s avoiding the 80 dollar Motel 6 off the freeway there. And rental cars that week were around 50 a day but she said she’s sponsored by BMW so doesn’t need to worry. Either way she definitely didn’t really budget and should stay away from 300 dollar dinners.
Crashtestdummy
Apr 2, 2022 at 9:20 pm
You need to add in caddy work fees and taxes. Not sure how many players are paying for caddy hotels, flights, and food, but that would be a consideration as well. Pro golf has a lot of expenses.
Michael
Apr 4, 2022 at 10:27 am
Stupid, stupid, stupid comment. You’ve left out huge chunks of what it cost to run a business which is what these women are doing. They are sole proprietors generating revenue and expenses.
The ignorance in your comment is extraordinary.
Johnny Penso
Apr 1, 2022 at 9:52 pm
She’s 29 and made $7.5M on tour plus endorsements etc. Probably $10M or more. Cry me a river because you only made $5K last week.
The Hamburglar
Apr 5, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Mikey disagrees
I'm Michael's Son
Apr 11, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Mikey is strong out on trailer park Mountain Dew, lol….
Danny Kanger
Apr 1, 2022 at 9:17 pm
5 out of 10 who thinks she’s a 9.5.
Porter Johnson
Apr 1, 2022 at 9:03 pm
S h e s a 6 o u t o f 10 that thinks s h e s a 9.5.
Wears a shirt that says ” I a m n o t the c a r t g I r l.” Indeed you’re not. Massive sense of entitlement too.
Evan Oatt
Apr 1, 2022 at 8:57 pm
” I am not the cart girl” Danielle Kang LOL Indeed you’re not, a 6 out of 10 with a massively inflated ego. Who would ever think she would have a huge sense of entitlement? LOL
George Lazenby
Apr 1, 2022 at 8:51 pm
The white knight simps are taking down the comments. LOL
Buddy Landelll
Apr 1, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Kang is a 6 out of 10 but thinks she’s a 9.5. I remember seeing her in a photo shoot with a shirt that said ” I am not the car girl.” Indeed you’re not, not even close to being hot enough at my course or anywhere else. The entitlement she has is typical of all the toxic women in the West. They have an army of Betas simping for them and their sense of self-worth is through the roof.
Dave
Apr 1, 2022 at 8:31 pm
If you go onto Danielle Kangs Instagram page she looks like a struggling college student. Working with Butch Harmon, sporting expensive watches, staying at the nicest hotels… I also believe her boyfriends father is a billionaire… times are tough these days
Tyler Durden
Apr 3, 2022 at 8:21 pm
They broke up. Try to stay with it
Simp Buster
Apr 4, 2022 at 12:17 am
Smartest move that guy ever made! The son of a billionaire going out with someone like her? Absolutely insane!
chip75
Apr 1, 2022 at 6:16 pm
I’d imagine it evens out for the top players, but at the end of the day it sounds like she’s living like she’s banking top 3 cheques every week, which is fine as some of the ladies are incredibly consistent. But you can get through the week on a lot less than $6,000, especially if you’ve got transport covered. I’m sure there are players that are masters at budgeting, sharing rooms and other expenses.
Mower
Apr 1, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Women tend to live ‘higher on the hog’ than men do.
6k would last me 4 months.
El Macho esta en Fuego
Apr 1, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Fly Southwest, stay at Motel 6, and eat at Taco Bell….
El Macho Wacho
Apr 1, 2022 at 5:16 pm
I can’t believe this is a story. Jason Daniels? Nah!
Cry Wacho
Apr 1, 2022 at 5:13 pm
Go and get a ‘real’ job or, live within your means.
What a bunch of horse manure….
CrashTestDummy
Apr 2, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Kang is a top 10 woman golfer in the world (#7 right now). Ranked as high as #2. She makes companies tons of money. They don’t want her to get a real job. Lol.
Professor
Apr 1, 2022 at 12:33 pm
No need to get personal boys… the point is that while things are improving for the LPGA they still have a long way to go. $6k may seem like a lot of money, and for most it is, but the point is that it doesn’t even cover her expenses. Pro golfers are independent contractors so they have to cover all of their expenses, caddie, hotel, transportation… pro tennis has been offering equal prize money for more than 20 years now. Mike Whan did an amazing job during his tenure and hopefully things will continue to get better. These women are amazing and should marketed better, a lot better.
Carl
Apr 1, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Nobody watches the lpga. That’s why there’s no money. Simple economics
jw
Apr 3, 2022 at 5:06 pm
nobody watches the men either. all the money comes from white ceo’s giving away corporate money so the ceo and his boys can hang out in their corporate tents and play the pro am. and then the white ceo gets interviewed on tv on sunday.
Ron DeSantis Jr
Apr 4, 2022 at 12:25 am
Racist much?
Michael
Apr 4, 2022 at 10:29 am
Ask your father.
DeSantis Jr.
Apr 4, 2022 at 11:09 am
Please tell me the policies that DeSantis has enacted that are racist?
Walt Kisney
Apr 1, 2022 at 9:27 pm
They’re not that amazing. That is why nobody watches them. But keeping on simping in the free World my man! Like the other guy said “it’s basic economics.”
FU
Apr 2, 2022 at 5:00 am
You must be effing blind then. The quality and depth of the lpga field is amazing. Unless you, Bald Pizzy, are a pga tour pro, you wouldn’t stand a chance against these lpga players. You may not like it, fine, but to say they are not impressive shows you know f-all about golf.
CG
Apr 2, 2022 at 6:59 am
You are a joke. No matter how much you talk about how good they are they will never ever draw the money of fans of the PGA Tour. NOBODY is watching. Except lesbians and simps like you.
NOFU
Apr 2, 2022 at 9:35 am
…and yet still nobody watches.
Peter Panning
Apr 2, 2022 at 4:45 pm
If “The quality and depth of the LPGA field truly is amazing” then they would not be having these problems. The market always reacts accordingly. Deep down none of these players could remotely come close to cutting it out on the PGA tour and that is why nobody watches it. TRUTH HURTS.
Matthew Sanker
Apr 2, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Dude they are amazing! T
hey have better swings than guys because it’s not about power but a repeatable swing and fundamentally they make the guys look very average. They put in just as much work in as any pga player. More disciplined..swearing and throwing clubs is not part of their demeanor
Peter Panning
Apr 2, 2022 at 9:47 pm
The general public agrees with me and disagrees with you. Numbers do not lie.
JT
Apr 1, 2022 at 11:45 am
So she spends 6k a week? Cry me a river
Shane Quimby
Apr 1, 2022 at 10:40 am
So she spent 6 grand on her hotel, food, and miscellaneous expenses? I think she could significantly improve her budgeting skills.
Rick James
Apr 1, 2022 at 10:47 am
She’s a phony she parades around Vegas like the fake slimey creep she is. Nobody likes her cause she’s pretty much awful. That’s a fact to anyone who knows her.
Chris Reedy
Apr 2, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Well I live in Vegas, know her pretty well, and think she’s fantastic!
NoFo's Nephew
Apr 2, 2022 at 10:30 pm
You would! Tool!
Rick James
Apr 1, 2022 at 10:47 am
She’s a phony she parades around Vegas like the fake slimey creep she is. Nobody likes her cause she’s pretty much awful. That’s a fact to anyone who knows her.
MhtLion
Apr 1, 2022 at 11:48 am
She has a caddie who she pays for. If you ever went on a business trip, you will understand 6k is barely enough to cover the changeable airfares (if you don’t make the cut then you have to come back early but the bargain airfare cannot change the date – so you must pay the full price) for two adults plus two hotel rooms for 3-5 nights plus food for 2 people plus a rental car plus misc expenses. For example, if she takes a business class round trip (since the condition is important for an athlete) that alone could be over 6k. It’s you who can significantly improve your budgeting skill.
El Wacho
Apr 1, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Hear, hear!
Donovan
Apr 1, 2022 at 10:36 am
Just look at the top players – 90% come from weather families.
The PGA should have a minimum wage that should cover basic lodging and associated transportation costs for all qualified members of their tours. $250K (Korn Ferry & LPGA) $500K (PGA).
Still isn’t much after taxes, training costs, and caddy fees.
Many players come from college, where everything is covered to basically living out of their cars while trying to make cuts.