Lydia Ko headlines LPGA’s lucrative look ahead

Talk of money always seems gauche. Whether it’s from the uncouth in-law or the perpetually ungrateful uncle, questions such as “how much does she make?” or “how much is it worth?” come off as social faux pas, that kind of awkward conversation stoppers that lead to pursed lips, furrowed brows and long silences at the dinner table.

In sports, these discussions get especially grubby when salaries that would make King Midas blush get thrown around like New Year confetti. Golf is no exception. With inflation and a volatile economy squeezing middle-class wages, average fans look askance, for example, at some of the LIV Golf contracts and PIP bonuses that PGA Tour players get for generating Instagram likes.

But you can’t make that case when talking about the LPGA Tour. For the first time in history, the best women in the game will play for nine figures in total purses in 2023. And no one begrudges them a penny of it.
“We had a lot to cheer for in 2022: more televised LPGA coverage in more countries than at any point in h...