What Is 2018 KPMG Women's PGA Championship

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 KPMG Women's PGA Championship was held from June 28 to July 1 at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Illinois. Sung Hyun Park won the tournament, securing her second major title with a final score of 16-under-par.

Key Facts

The 2018 KPMG Women's PGA Championship took place from June 28 to July 1.
It was held at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, Illinois.
Sung Hyun Park won with a score of 16-under-par 272.
The tournament featured 144 players competing over four rounds.
Park earned $540,000 as the winner from a $3.0 million purse.

Overview

The 2018 KPMG Women's PGA Championship was the 64th edition of the prestigious LPGA major event, marking a pivotal moment in women’s professional golf. Held annually since 1955, the tournament has evolved into one of the five major championships on the LPGA Tour, attracting top talent from around the globe.

This year’s event was notable for its competitive field and dramatic finish under challenging weather conditions. The championship showcased elite skill, mental resilience, and strategic course management at Kemper Lakes Golf Club, a course known for its tree-lined fairways and well-protected greens.

June 28–July 1, 2018: The tournament spanned four days, with rounds beginning Thursday and concluding Sunday despite intermittent rain delays that disrupted the schedule.
Kemper Lakes Golf Club: Located in Kildeer, Illinois, this 7,109-yard, par-72 course hosted the event for the first time, presenting a stern test with narrow fairways and thick rough.
Sung Hyun Park: The South Korean golfer claimed her second major title, following her 2017 U.S. Women’s Open win, with a composed final round of 66.
Final score of 16-under-par: Park finished at 272, two strokes ahead of runner-up Park Sung-hyun, marking one of the lowest scores in tournament history.
$3 million purse: The event featured a record-breaking prize fund, with winner’s share set at $540,000, reflecting the LPGA’s growing investment in women’s golf.

How It Works

The KPMG Women's PGA Championship operates as a 72-hole stroke play event with a cut after 36 holes, reducing the field to the top 70 players and ties. The tournament blends competitive golf with leadership initiatives, including the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit held concurrently.

Major Championship Status: One of five designated LPGA majors, it carries greater prestige, higher world ranking points, and increased media coverage compared to regular tour events.
Field Composition: Includes top LPGA players, past champions, top finishers from previous majors, and qualifiers from the KPMG Performance List.
KPMG Leadership Summit: A signature component held during tournament week, featuring influential female leaders discussing career advancement and gender equity in business.
Scoring Format: Four rounds of stroke play; in case of a tie after 72 holes, a three-hole aggregate playoff determines the winner.
Weather Contingency: Rain delays in 2018 forced a Monday finish for some players, highlighting the need for flexible scheduling in outdoor sports.
Global Representation: The 2018 field included players from 23 countries, underscoring the international appeal and depth of women’s professional golf.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship compares to previous editions in key metrics:

Year	Location	Winner	Winning Score	Purse (USD)
2018	Kemper Lakes, IL	Sung Hyun Park	272 (−16)	$3.0 million
2017	Arboretum GC, KY	Kim Sei-young	277 (−11)	$3.5 million
2016	Westchester CC, NY	Brooke Henderson	273 (−15)	$3.5 million
2015	Westchester CC, NY	Stacy Lewis	275 (−13)	$3.5 million
2014	Westchester CC, NY	Morgan Pressel	278 (−10)	$3.5 million

While the 2018 purse was slightly lower than in 2016–2017, the event maintained high competitive standards. Sung Hyun Park’s winning score of 16-under was the lowest since 2016, reflecting improved course conditions and player performance. The shift from Westchester to Kemper Lakes introduced a new strategic challenge, with longer yardage and tighter fairways influencing shot selection.

Why It Matters

The 2018 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was more than a golf tournament—it was a milestone in advancing gender equity and visibility in sports. By integrating leadership development with athletic competition, the event reinforced the broader societal impact of women’s professional athletics.

Increased Media Coverage: The tournament received record viewership, with ESPN and Golf Channel broadcasting over 20 hours of live coverage across platforms.
Role Model Visibility: Winners like Sung Hyun Park inspire young female athletes, particularly in South Korea, where golf enjoys widespread popularity.
Leadership Integration: The KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit brought together C-suite executives and LPGA players, promoting mentorship and career advancement.
Economic Impact: Hosted in Illinois, the event generated an estimated $8.2 million in local economic activity, from tourism to hospitality.
Player Development: The tournament’s structure offers younger players exposure to major championship pressure, aiding long-term growth on tour.
Equality Advocacy: By maintaining a high purse and global platform, the LPGA continues to push for equal recognition and compensation in golf.

The 2018 championship exemplified how sports can drive cultural change, combining elite performance with purpose-driven initiatives. As the LPGA expands its global footprint, events like this remain central to its mission of empowering women both on and off the course.