What Is 2016 CME Group Tour Championship

Overview

The 2016 CME Group Tour Championship marked the culmination of the LPGA season, serving as the final event of the official tour schedule. Held at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, it brought together the top 72 players based on their performance and earnings throughout the year.

This season-ending tournament offered not only prestige but also a substantial $2.5 million prize purse, one of the largest in women’s golf. The event was played over four days in November and featured a strong field of international competitors vying for individual victory and year-end honors.

• November 17–20, 2016: The tournament spanned four competitive days, concluding with a dramatic final round under championship pressure.
• Tiburón Golf Club: Located in Naples, Florida, this private course hosted the event on its Gold Course, known for its challenging layout and pristine conditions.
• Top 72 qualifiers: Only the leading players on the LPGA money list earned the right to compete, ensuring elite-level competition.
• $2.5 million purse: The prize fund was among the highest of the season, with $500,000 awarded to the winner.
• Ariya Jutanugarn: The Thai golfer claimed victory with a 267 (−17) score, securing her first win of the 2016 LPGA season.

How It Works

The CME Group Tour Championship operates as a season finale with qualification based on performance, combining prestige, points, and prize money in a high-stakes format.

• Qualification: The top 72 players on the LPGA’s official money list at season’s end earned eligibility, rewarding consistent performance throughout the year.
• Scoring format: A standard 72-hole stroke play format was used, with the lowest total score after four rounds determining the champion.
• Prize distribution: The winner received $500,000 from the $2.5 million purse, the largest single payout of the LPGA season.
• Rolex Rankings: Performance influenced world rankings, with top finishers gaining crucial points for international standings.
• Player Impact: Strong showings boosted sponsorship opportunities and media visibility for athletes on the global stage.
• Season-long context: The event capped the LPGA’s season-long points race and provided a dramatic conclusion to the competitive calendar.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 CME Group Tour Championship compares to other major LPGA events of the year:

While the U.S. Women’s Open had the largest purse, the CME Group Tour Championship stood out for its exclusive field and role as the season finale. Unlike open tournaments, it invited only the top performers, making it a true championship of consistency and endurance.

Why It Matters

The 2016 CME Group Tour Championship had significant implications for the LPGA’s competitive structure, player legacies, and the visibility of women’s professional golf.

• Season finale prestige: Winning the final event of the year added symbolic weight, marking dominance at the close of the competitive calendar.
• Financial impact: The $500,000 winner’s share provided a substantial boost to players’ annual earnings and financial stability.
• Global exposure: Broadcast internationally, the tournament increased visibility for female athletes in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
• Pathway for young talent: Emerging stars like Jutanugarn used the platform to establish themselves among the sport’s elite.
• Sponsor influence: CME Group’s backing demonstrated corporate confidence in women’s sports, encouraging further investment.
• Format innovation: The limited-field, high-stakes model influenced future LPGA event designs and playoff structures.

By combining performance-based qualification with a dramatic finish, the 2016 CME Group Tour Championship reinforced the LPGA’s commitment to excellence and competitiveness, setting a benchmark for future seasons.