8 players to watch at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship
By: Kieran Clark | Edited: Tue 23 Jun 2026
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If you love major championship golf - and who doesn't? - then you're in for a treat this week as the best players in the world gather at Hazeltine to compete for the biggest prize fund in the history of the women's game.
$13 million will be split across the field in Minnesota - which is a remarkable increase on the $3.5m prize pot that was available just a decade ago.
That reflects the growth in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship since the title sponsor got involved, with this 72nd edition of the event set to be a genuine blockbuster packed with intrigue as the former Ryder Cup, US Open and men's PGA Championship venue takes centre stage once again.
But who will grasp this prestigious trophy on Sunday? We have picked out a range of potential contenders who are likely to create several compelling storylines as the championship progresses.
Nelly Korda
(Image Credit: LPGA/Ladies European Tour/Golf Saudi)
The world number one has gone to another level in 2026, playing to a remarkably high standard, which culminated in securing her dream triumph with the US Women's Open at Riviera just a few weeks ago.
Having posted eight top ten finishes (including four wins and three runners-up) in nine starts on the LPGA Tour this season, the American is the clear favourite (10/3) to win this championship for a second time.
Korda is becoming a true superstar and another success here would validate that reputation.
Charley Hull
Arguably the most fearless and purely fun golfer to watch on the planet, Hull (25/1) is always a thrill, and she treated us to that rollercoaster once more with her run at the US Women's Open.
That would ultimately become her fifth runner-up finish in a major championship - a record akin to that of Colin Montgomerie. But unlike the Scot, the 30-year-old will be keen to finally taste glory, and why can't it happen here?
Lottie Woad
Hull remains England's top ranked golfer, but only just, as Lottie Woad (20/1) is right behind her, sitting at fifth, having enjoyed a spectacular year since her first professional win last July.
She has two LPGA titles to her name - and it should have been three as she missed a putt to win the Meijer Classic last weekend before losing a playoff to Women's Open champion Miyu Yamashita.
That was a rare blow, but would you bet against her bouncing back this week?
Jennifer Kupcho
The former Chevron winner (45/1) was in contention at the US Women's Open but endured a poor Sunday at Riviera, but the American is a formidable competitor and has the power to contend with the challenges of Hazeltine.
With 11 made cuts in 13 starts this season, the 29-year-old has been impressively consistent in 2026.
Miyu Yamashita
Following a prolific career in Japan, Yamashita became a major champion when she won a hard-fought AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl last year.
Having finished T2nd in 2024 and T6th in 2025, she has an eye-catching record in the Women's PGA and is coming into this event (with odds of 16/1) having just defeated Lottie Woad in a playoff to win the Meijer Classic.
Jeeno Thitikul
The best golfer yet to win a major championship? Everyone will have their answers, but Jeeno Thitikul (14/1) is clearly a contender for that description.
Despite having won all around the world - including nine LPGA Tour successes - it's easy to forget that the Thai star is only 23, so her time will surely come, but the sooner that moment occurs, the better, as it could have a freeing impact on a hugely talented golfer.
Hannah Green
If 2026 so far has belonged to Nelly Korda, then Hannah Green (18/1) is looming in the background. The Australian enjoyed an extraordinary run earlier in the year when she picked up four victories in quick succession, but she hasn't excelled in the majors since she won this event back in 2019, which was a stunning breakthrough at the time.
But the 29-year-old is clearly now a better player than she was during that glorious week.
Minjee Lee
It would seem remiss to not include Minjee Lee (45/1), the defending champion. Her success at PGA Frisco 12 months ago was a third major title for the Aussie, but this season, after a solid start, has been quiet and arguably disappointing for a player of this standing.
However, Lee has shown in the past that she can reignite at any given time, and it could happen again.
Odds supplied by Betfred.
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About the author
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
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