The LPGA’s five majors are easily the most watched and talked-about tournaments in women’s golf. These championships aren’t just about big trophies and prize money; they’re where legends are made, records are broken, and careers can take a whole new turn. Winning even one puts a player’s name in the history books forever. Each of the five tournaments has its own story, personality, and set of challenges, which makes following them throughout the LPGA season really exciting.
If you’re new to women’s golf or just want a better handle on why these events get so much buzz, here’s a super detailed look at what makes the five majors stand out. Plus, check out a few reasons why each one is worth your attention every single year.
The five LPGA majors are:
- Chevron Championship
- U.S. Women’s Open
- KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
- Evian Championship
- AIG Women’s Open
The Chevron Championship: Tradition in the California Desert
The Chevron Championship, known for years as the ANA Inspiration and before that the Dinah Shore, usually tees off in the spring. For decades, it was held at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, California, and the famous leap into “Poppie’s Pond” by the winner became a fan and player favorite. More recently, it moved to The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas, but still keeps its flair and tradition. What’s really eye-catching about this major is its history—it was the first women’s major to have a consistent venue and build a signature celebration for the champ.
This event is often the first major of the LPGA season, so it sets the stage for the year. The golf course itself is usually playing firm and fast, requiring precise iron shots and sharp short games. Because it’s early in the season, there’s always a mix of seasoned veterans and rookies who could make a surprise run. The energy here feels different because everyone is hungry to kick off the year in the best way possible.
Plus, there’s always the chance to watch that signature swim at the 18th, one of those LPGA traditions that everyone secretly loves.
Over the years, the Chevron has seen legends track down life-changing victories. Whether it’s Amy Alcott’s original leap or Lexi Thompson’s emotional win, each moment is packed with meaning. The move to Texas added new character to the tournament, but players and fans alike continue to embrace the classic moments and hope for more iconic celebrations in years to come. Watching a full field of the world’s best women chase the first major trophy of the season brings together talent, nerves, and pure excitement, guaranteeing thrilling golf every year.
U.S. Women’s Open: The Ultimate Test in Women’s Golf
If you only watch one LPGA event a year, the U.S. Women’s Open is probably the one. It’s the oldest major (dating back to 1946), run by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and known for having some of the toughest setups in golf. Picture narrow fairways, devilishly fast greens, and deep rough that will punish anyone who’s even a little off target.
Beyond the difficulty, this major draws the deepest, most competitive field you’ll see all season. Big international stars, rising American talent, and a handful of promising amateurs—everyone wants a piece of the championship. With so much history and such a demanding test, winning here is often considered the biggest career highlight for many pros. The U.S. Women’s Open doesn’t just crown the best player; it usually reveals the best under pressure. The stories from Sunday’s final round are the kind that get talked about for decades.
The tournament changes locations every year, stopping at iconic courses such as Pinehurst, Pebble Beach, and Baltusrol. That means players have to adjust to different styles of golf and ever-changing weather, which adds even more drama and unpredictability. If you enjoy watching athletes really earn every single stroke, this major is right up your alley.
What also makes the U.S. Women’s Open unique is the inclusion of top amateurs who can sometimes steal the spotlight. The event is always loaded with tension because emerging stars and proven champions often find themselves going head-to-head. The course setups force players to think on every shot, making patience and focus the keys to survival. The winner’s life changes instantly, gaining a huge leap in status, sponsorships, and often a wave of media spotlight in the weeks that follow.
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Legacy and Leadership
This major is another that’s been around for a long time, since 1955, and has gone through several name changes. It became the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2015, and that transformation turned it into an even bigger event with the help of the PGA of America. What really stands out about this tournament is its focus on raising the profile of women’s sports leadership, both on and off the course. KPMG backs a leadership summit that happens alongside the tournament and brings together female leaders from all kinds of industries.
In terms of golf, this major is set up almost exactly like the men’s PGA Championship: big, historic venues, tricky course setups, and a true major-like atmosphere from the first tee shot. You’ll see the world’s best players using every shot in the bag, with a premium on ballstriking and smart game plans. Scores here can get low if the conditions are soft, but pressure ramps up fast on Sunday.
Many LPGA players say this tournament makes them feel like they’ve “arrived” as pros. There’s always great fan turnout, media coverage, and strong local enthusiasm at every new venue. The winner doesn’t just walk away with a major, but also a real boost in reputation and lots of opportunities both within and outside golf.
Thanks to the continued commitment of KPMG and the PGA of America, the event features broadcast coverage, interactive experiences for fans, and community outreach programs that support women’s advancement. It represents the best in leadership, skill, and determination and is one of those tournaments where players circle the date hoping to shine when everything is on the line.
Evian Championship: Majestic Views and European Flair
The Evian Championship is the newest addition to the list of LPGA majors, joining in 2013. It’s held at the Evian Resort Golf Club in ÉvianlesBains, France, nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alps. The picturesque backdrop alone makes it a favorite to watch on TV. What’s unique here is the combination of beautiful scenery and a really tricky layout; the fairways twist through dramatic elevation changes and fast, sloping greens that test a player’s creativity.
This major attracts a truly global field, with a strong mix of Asian, European, and American players. It tends to produce close finishes and surprise winners, partly because the course is so different from what the tour usually sees in the U.S. Fans in Europe show up in full force, and the tournament has a lively, festival vibe. It feels more relaxed in some ways, but there’s still plenty of pressure, especially with unpredictable mountain weather always waiting to switch things up.
Winning in Evian is a big boost for any golfer hoping to build an international reputation, and it’s one of the most photogenic trophies in the sport. The hospitality of the host city, combined with gourmet food, enthusiastic crowds, and post-round celebrations, means the Evian Championship stands out as both a sporting and cultural highlight of the season.
The layout of the course continually throws new challenges at players, with angled fairways, hidden pins, and swirling winds off the mountains and lake. Weather can turn sunny into stormy in minutes, testing both the nerves and skills of contenders. For fans, getting to watch a Sunday charge in such a scenic place makes it a can’t-miss event on the golf calendar.
AIG Women’s Open: Historic Links and Changing Conditions
The AIG Women’s Open (often called the Women’s British Open) brings the tradition and drama of links golf to the women’s game. Played on legendary courses in England and Scotland, like St Andrews, Royal Lytham, and Carnoustie, this major is famous for wind, rough, unpredictable weather, and firm, fast fairways. You’ll see players shaping shots, bumpandrunning approaches, and using every trick they know to handle classic links challenges.
This is one of the best majors for golf course lovers, since the venues hold so much Open history. Getting to win on ancient turf, with wind howling and the grass whipping, is a big deal for any player’s legacy. Plus, because the Open moves to a new course every season, fans get to watch the world’s best take on a totally new challenge each time.
The AIG Women’s Open usually closes out the LPGA major season, so it’s a last chance for drama, seasondefining comebacks, or a player’s career breakthrough. Links golf rewards creativity and guts, so the final round is always a nailbiter. The tradition of a champion hoisting the trophy amid unpredictable conditions is a perfect finish to a year full of highs and lows.
The unique weather, shifting coastal breezes, and rolling landscapes mean this tournament is never the same two years in a row. Watching players adjust on the fly and find ways to make birdies on treacherous, ancient layouts brings fans close to the roots of the game. Every major season, this event leaves its mark with clutch performances and unforgettable moments under gray skies and swirling winds.
How the Five LPGA Majors Shape the Season
Each LPGA major has a personality all its own: the traditions of the Chevron, the test of the U.S. Women’s Open, the prestige of the PGA, the beauty of Evian, or the history of the Women’s Open. Title wins bring exemptions and change careers, and even a great finish can open doors to sponsorships and invites to other big events. That’s why both players and fans circle these weeks on their calendars at the start of every season, waiting for that major magic.
The best part? Each championship brings out the highest level of drama, athleticism, and sportsmanship, showing exactly why the LPGA remains such a fun and inspiring ride to follow. If you’ve never tracked down all five majors from start to finish, now’s the time—you won’t run out of storylines or jawdropping golf moments all season long. By watching these epic showdowns, you’ll see history being made in real time. So, whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into women’s golf, these majors deliver mustsee action every single year.