Question of the week [February 24 – March 2]: What changes can be made to make the LPGA Tour more popular?
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To make the LPGA more popular, I see a few things that could help:
1. More live TV coverage. (A network and LPGA negotiation/decision)
2. More American players in the world top 25. (Not a lot the public can do about that)
3.. A better early-season schedule. The Tour has early Florida tournaments, then a few off weeks, and then spend a month overseas in the first few months of the year.
4. More tournaments on famous courses that the viewing public knows. There is starting to be a little progress, but it's a slow go.
Barry Duckworth
Knoxville, Tennessee
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A sure-fire way would be to find 10 more Nelly Kordas and 10 more Lydia Kos — meaning no disrespect to the other players.
Given this won't happen, just look back to what ultimately made the PGA Tour grow into what it is today. That started when Arnie's Army became visible. Then a few other players came along — like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player — and wham, TV became more available into middle-class homes. Then IMG figured out that getting sponsors to show their wares on TV made sense. Then PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman pushed the players toward becoming walking billboards ... and the rest is history.
Point? The LPGA has started to expand along these lines and will continue to do so.
Yes, the basic path will be different, but Korda, Ko, Charley Hull — add in a few more — and wham. Add multiple ways to digitally show competition and it will pick up. Sponsors will definitely grow as women will also become more likely to watch, and some even will pick up the game. It will just take time. The LPGA is on the right track.
Tom Powers
Bradenton, Florida
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Pace of play. Continue or expand community work and clinics.
Van Ericksen
Federal Way, Washington
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The LPGA needs to speed up play. It should issue penalty strokes. I start to fall asleep when watching players like super slow Lydia Ko play a shot.
Frank Kriss
Wilmington, Delaware
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I think the LPGA is doing fine, even in popularity. I'd prefer attending the ladies events to PGA Tour events. One suggestion would be to hold more tournaments at iconic venues, like the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach in 2023. The women can hold their own at any club provided the length of the course is adjusted slightly for them. I believe I remember the Chevron Championship played at slightly over 6,700 yards, longer than the average male amateur would be comfortable with. The LPGA is alive and well.
Craig Libhart
Bainbridge, Pennsylvania
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LPGA popularity? It is simple, just like tennis. Combine the men’s and women’s events, at least the majors, not sequential weeks like the upcoming U.S. Opens in Pinehurst in 2029, but during the same week at the same time, it worked wonders for women’s tennis and logically would elevate the LPGA. The women have more finesse and are more aspirational to most of us amateur golfers anyway.
Men love Charley Hull. If she were at an event that they were already attending, like the U.S. Open, they would flock to see her. More people watching the LPGA equals more money, bigger purses and that is the solution to popularity of the LPGA.
Sonya Stoklosa
Pinehurst, North Carolina
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The No. 1 thing the LPGA Tour can do to increase its popularity is speed up play in a significant, meaningful way. If successful, this would generate massive positive media attention and drive increased interest in its product.
Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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My two thoughts on how to make the LPGA more popular are:
1. Go all in on combating slow play. I think PGA Tour dances around this issue. If the LPGA goes strong with penalties / DQs / fines, then it will show that it cares about the game and the viewers.
2. Need to know more about the key players. I follow the game and really only know a little about a few players. Need more background and more story lines with players.
Tony deCelis
Fort Myers, Florida
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A change that can make the LPGA tour more popular? Bikinis optional
Ed Randolph
Plymouth, Michigan
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DO THE FANS REALLY WANT A LIV-PGA TOUR MERGER?
I keep hearing from the golf media that "the fans want LIV and the PGA Tour to come together." I'm watching "Golf Central" and George Savaricas and Eamon Lynch are saying it as part of their discussion concerning the recent White House talks on the subject.
My question is: Do the fans really want that? I can't speak for other fans, just myself. I don't really care whether the LIV Golf guys come back. They left for greener pastures. They knew the consequences of that decision. What I do care about is the media's obsession with having the Jon Rahms, Brooks Koepkas, Cameron Smiths, et al coming back and not giving the emerging talent — the Alex Potgieters, Austin Eckroats, Jake Knapps, Nick Dunlaps and Ludvig Abergs — more coverage. Even Scottie Scheffler doesn't seem to generate the same media excitement as Brooks Koepka did when he was playing on the PGA Tour. My guess is that's because Scottie doesn't routinely stick his foot in his mouth.
As fans, I hope we appreciate the talent we do have, instead of lamenting those who aren't here any longer. For the golf media, I would suggest spending more attention on the current and up-and-coming talent. Brian Campbell's recent victory got some attention, but deserves more due to his "grit" (his word) and perseverance in making his dreams come true.
Chris Belanger
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Front: Lydia Ko on the 1st tee during the opening round of the 2025 HSBC Women's World Championship.
Photo: Steven Flynn / Golffile