We’ve almost made it through January, and that’s always a great feeling. Not that I’m trying to wish my life away, but at least we’re one month closer to spring and that lovely golfing weather we’re all craving!
The world’s best female players certainly won’t be worrying about the cold when the LPGA season kicks off tomorrow at Lake Nona in Florida. It’s the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, featuring a unique field of LPGA winners from the past two seasons playing alongside stars from the world of sports and entertainment. Good luck to Charley Hull, here’s hoping she starts the year exactly as she means to go on!
It’s going to be fascinating to see what 2026 has in store for the women’s game. Recently, some of my fellow Golf Monthly contributors and I sat down to revisit a round table piece we did at the start of last year. We had a list of wishes for both the pro and amateur game, and in this article we look back at what actually came to fruition and, more importantly, what we’re still pushing for this year!
One thing that jumps out and perfectly captures the prize money boom over the last few years, is the rise of World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul. She has already climbed to 7th on the LPGA all-time career earnings list, amassing over $17.3 million in just four years. What’s really interesting is that she reached that top-10 milestone in only 84 career starts, which is a massive testament to just how much the rewards in the women's game have accelerated.
However, the gender pay gap remains staggering. While Jeeno earned $7.5 million in 2025, Scottie Scheffler picked up more than $50 million on the PGA Tour in the same period, which is a difference of $42.5 million that shows just how much ground there is still to make up.
For my two pennies' worth, I’d love to see the powers-that-be consider turning the Presidents Cup into a mixed event. It’s obviously too late for this year, as the 2026 edition is already set for September, but since it’s a biennial event, why not aim for 2028? With the USA having won 13 times against the International team, interest is starting to wane, so why not shake things up? Creating another 'them versus us' format that features both men and women would be a fantastic way to reignite the rivalry and keep fans gripped.
Back to the present and winter golf. Although I was complaining about January at the start of this chat, in all honesty, I’d be tempted to play in any weather right now. I’m itching to get back out there, especially as my home course, West Essex, has been closed since the devastating clubhouse fire almost four weeks ago. It looks set to open again for the weekend, so come rain or shine, I’ll be there!
By Alison Root, Women's Editor Golf Monthly.
