LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A lot can change over nine years, including the purse for the U.S. Women's Open.
The last time the best women's golfers in the world teed it up at Lancaster Country Club was in 2015. The winner of that event was In Gee Chun, and she received a robust check for $810,000 for her efforts.
A similar performance this week will earn the champion $2,400,000. The overall purse has increased from $4,500,000 to a record $12,000,000.
“[It's] very exciting," Brooke Henderson said enthusically. "The game just continues to grow, and it’s a really fun time to be a part of the tour because you are seeing so much growth. Over those nine years, I’ve seen so many things increase, the purses, better venues, more coverage, more media [and] more fans, which is really exciting. The players are getting better and stronger as well.”
Nelly Korda is the favorite, but don't count out Henderson. She played in the '15 event and finished in a tie for 5th place.
The final practice rounds were canceled due to heavy storms at around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The field of 156 begins the competition with the first tee times at 6:45 a.m. on Thursday.
Every professional player will receive at least $10,000 for making it into the field at the 79th U.S. Women's Open.