What Is 2016 Women's PGA Championship

Overview

The 2016 Women's PGA Championship was the 62nd edition of the tournament and the second year it was officially designated as a major championship by the LPGA Tour. Held from June 9 to 12, 2016, the event attracted a strong international field of 144 professional golfers competing at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington.

As one of the five major championships on the LPGA schedule, the 2016 edition carried increased prestige and a purse of $3.5 million, with $525,000 awarded to the winner. The course, set in the Pacific Northwest, presented players with tree-lined fairways and firm greens, testing both accuracy and mental toughness under rainy conditions.

• Brooke Henderson claimed her first major title at age 18, becoming the youngest major winner since 1998 and the first Canadian woman to win a major in over 50 years.
• The final round concluded with a dramatic playoff between Henderson and Inbee Park, after both finished regulation at 13-under-par 275.
• Sahalee Country Club hosted its first Women's PGA Championship, having previously hosted the 1998 PGA Championship and 2002 WGC-American Express Championship.
• The tournament featured 144 players, including 20 of the top 25 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings, making it one of the most competitive fields of the season.
• Heavy rain delayed the third round, forcing play to extend into Monday, a rare occurrence that added pressure on the final leaderboard.

Final Rounds and Playoffs

The final two rounds of the 2016 Women's PGA Championship delivered intense drama, culminating in a sudden-death playoff that captivated golf fans worldwide.

• Round 3 Weather Delay: Persistent rain on Saturday forced suspension of play, pushing completion of the third round to Monday morning, disrupting player routines and strategies.
• Final Round Leaderboard: Entering Sunday, Inbee Park held a two-shot lead, but Henderson’s steady play, including a key birdie on the 17th, forced a tie at 13-under.
• Playoff Hole: On the first playoff hole (par-4 18th), Henderson hit a precise approach within 10 feet and sank the birdie putt, while Park missed hers.
• Historic Win: Henderson’s victory made her the youngest major champion on the LPGA Tour since 1998 and the first Canadian woman to win a major since 1968.
• Scoring Average: The winning score of 275 (13-under) was 11 strokes lower than the previous tournament average at Sahalee, highlighting ideal scoring conditions despite the weather.
• Prize Money: Henderson earned $525,000 from the $3.5 million purse, the largest winner’s share in Women’s PGA Championship history at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 Women's PGA Championship compares to prior editions and other majors in terms of structure and outcomes:

The 2016 edition stood out for its dramatic finish and historical significance. While the winning score matched 2015, the playoff format and Henderson’s breakthrough performance distinguished it from previous years. The increase in prize money reflected the LPGA’s growing investment in major events, aligning more closely with men’s golf in terms of prestige and compensation.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Women's PGA Championship had a lasting impact on the LPGA Tour and women’s sports, setting new benchmarks for young talent and competitive excitement.

• Brooke Henderson’s win inspired a new generation of Canadian golfers and boosted participation in junior programs across the country.
• The tournament’s TV ratings increased by 12% over 2015, indicating growing public interest in women’s golf majors.
• Henderson became a role model for young athletes, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to achieving elite success.
• The playoff format showcased the dramatic potential of women’s golf, helping attract sponsorships and media coverage.
• It reinforced the Women's PGA Championship’s status as a premier major, on par with the ANA Inspiration and U.S. Women’s Open.
• The event highlighted the importance of course diversity, with Sahalee’s tree-lined design offering a different challenge than coastal or desert layouts.

Ultimately, the 2016 championship was a turning point, blending youthful triumph with high-stakes drama and setting a new standard for future tournaments in the LPGA’s major rotation.