This week, golf enthusiasts are shifting their focus from the PGA Tour’s break to the dynamic LPGA Tour’s Asia swing and the thrilling commencement of the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs for the PGA Tour Champions, promising compelling action and high stakes across the professional golf landscape.
With the PGA Tour taking a breather this week, the professional golf world’s attention is squarely focused on two major tours: the LPGA Tour’s annual visit to the Republic of Korea and the exhilarating start of the three-leg Charles Schwab Cup playoffs for the PGA Tour Champions. These events offer golf fans a deep dive into fierce competition, compelling storylines, and the pursuit of prestigious titles.
LPGA Tour: Asia Swing Continues with BMW Ladies Championship
The LPGA Tour’s journey through Asia continues its momentum with the highly anticipated BMW Ladies Championship, held from October 16-19 in Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea. This tournament marks the second stop in a crucial five-event Asia swing before the tour returns to the mainland United States in November.
This year, the event debuts at the Pine Beach Golf Links, a par-72 course stretching 6,785 yards. The fresh venue adds an element of unpredictability, challenging even the most seasoned players to adapt quickly to new layouts and conditions. A substantial purse of $2.3 million is on the line, with the winner taking home $345,000.
Defending champion Hannah Green, who claimed a wire-to-wire victory last year, enters this week in a precarious position, having missed five of her past six cuts. Her performance will be closely watched as she attempts to regain her championship form. Leading the prestigious Race to the CME Globe is Jeeno Thitikul, whose consistent play throughout the season positions her as a formidable contender for the overall title.
The 78-player field is a blend of 68 LPGA Tour members and 10 sponsor invites, featuring several notable major champions. Among these celebrated invitees are In Gee Chun, Eun-Hee Ji, Jeongeun Lee6, and Sung Hyun Park, whose presence promises to elevate the level of competition and fan engagement. Adding a poignant personal touch to the event is the return of Chella Choi to competition, marking her first appearance since giving birth to her son in March.
How to Follow the BMW Ladies Championship
- TV/Streaming:
- Wednesday-Thursday: 11 p.m.-3 a.m. ET
- Friday: 11 p.m.-5 a.m. ET
- Saturday: 11 p.m.-3 a.m. ET
- (All times on Golf Channel, streaming on NBCSports.com and NBC Sports App)
- X (Twitter): @LPGATour
The next event on the LPGA Tour calendar is the Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown, scheduled for October 23-26 in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. For more detailed information on the tournament and the Race to the CME Globe, fans can visit the LPGA Tour’s official website.
PGA Tour Champions: Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs Begin
The intensity ratchets up on the PGA Tour Champions as the season’s first playoff event, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, tees off from October 17-19 in Richmond, Virginia. This tournament marks the beginning of a three-leg battle to determine the winner of the coveted Charles Schwab Cup.
Players will compete on the historic Country Club of Virginia, a par-72 course spanning 7,025 yards. The tournament offers a significant $2.3 million purse, with the champion earning $350,000, setting a high bar for the start of the playoffs. Defending champion Jerry Kelly will aim to protect his title amidst a field of determined veterans.
Currently leading the Charles Schwab Cup standings is the charismatic **Miguel Angel Jimenez**. His consistent performance throughout the regular season has positioned him as a strong contender, but the playoffs are known for their high pressure and unpredictable twists.
The playoff structure is designed for escalating drama. The initial field comprises 69 players who finished within the top 72 in the regular season standings. Only the top 54 players after this week’s event will advance to the Simmons Bank Championship. The ultimate challenge awaits the top 36 from that event, who will then qualify for the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, making every shot count from the outset.
How to Follow the Dominion Energy Charity Classic
- TV: Friday-Sunday: 2-5 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
- X (Twitter): @ChampionsTour
The next tournament in this critical playoff series is the Simmons Bank Championship, also running from October 17-19 in Little Rock, Arkansas. For comprehensive details on the playoff structure and current standings, fans can refer to the PGA Tour Champions’ official site and the latest updates from Field Level Media.
PGA Tour: A Brief Pause
The primary PGA Tour is off this week, allowing players a break after a demanding season. Their last tournament was the Baycurrent Classic, won by **Xander Schauffele**. Golf fans can look forward to the tour’s return for the Bank of Utah Championship, scheduled for October 23-26 in Ivins, Utah.
LIV Golf League: Season Concludes, Eyes on Next Year
The LIV Golf League has concluded its season, celebrating its individual and team champions. Jon Rahm secured the individual title, showcasing his dominant form throughout the year, while Legion XIII emerged as the season’s team champions. Fans of the league will now look ahead to the next season, which is set to begin with the LIV Golf Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, from February 5-7.
