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19th Hole

‘Made the cut last week and didn’t break even’ – Danielle Kang on financial realities of life on LPGA Tour

Published

2 years ago

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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.

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

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

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1 hour ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

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22 hours ago

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Apr 24, 2024

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In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
  • otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech.  He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly.  Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy.  He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for.  There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind.  World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
  • konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage

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3 days ago

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Apr 22, 2024

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Over the past year or so, PGA Tour star Patrick Cantlay has taken a great deal of criticism for his pace of play.

Now, Cantlay is once again under fire for a questionable decision he made on Sunday at the RBC Heritage.

After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, whose ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.

On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.

Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and return to chip and putt on Monday morning.

Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision-making.

Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 Monday morning.

Following his round, Cantlay explained his decision to wait to hit his third shot the next morning:

“I really did want to finish last night, so I felt like if I could get the ball up there maybe in an easier spot, maybe I would have finished, but as I got the ball up near the green, I realized it would be easier to finish this morning. That’s what I decided to do.”

GolfWRX has reached out to Patrick Cantlay’s management team for a response to Woosnam’s comments.

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