Back in 2023, the Mizuho Americas Open proved to be nothing short of groundbreaking. Why? Well, the tournament combined the LPGA and AJGA to create a crossover event while holding two separate contests for the golfers simultaneously. However, there was one more aspect that set the competition aside as one-of-a-kind, none other than complimentary accommodation for the athletes. Although Hannah Green didn’t participate, she would have been relieved nonetheless.
Case in point: the 27-year-old was spotted in an interview ahead of the upcoming event, the 2024 JM Eagle LA Championship. Meanwhile, as she was doing so, Green couldn’t help but praise the hosts of the tournament, Walter and Shirley Wang, for allowing the professionals free hotel rooms to stay for the week!
Hannah Green is full of compliments for the JM Eagle LA Championship
“Little things like that make a big difference to when we’re playing out on tour,” admitted the defending champion of the tournament while alluding to the complimentary accommodation the athletes were receiving. What’s more, Green also made sure to highlight how many golfers who came to play for the event were appreciative of the same; “Even though I’m not in the hotel this week I know a lot of girls were really grateful and looking forward to the pro-am part tonight, too.”
The four-time LPGA Tour champ, breathing a sigh of relief, sheds light on the painful truth of the harsh reality that women golfers face in every contest. From the average athlete not getting enough budget for their travel, stay, and miscellaneous expenses while on Tour, to the financial struggle that these professionals have, especially during a tournament, the problems are many.
However, the upcoming event seems to have made a difference among the players owing to the benefits that are being provided, including the prize purse. Consequently, the one-time major champ also pointed out how huge it was for the event to increase the purse to $3.75 million from $3 million this year, the biggest outside a major. Elaborating on this, Hannah Green said, “I think they’ve had… it’s almost been like a domino effect. We’ve seen with the major championships with the associations raising the purse, and I think now the other events want to have those types of purses.”.
Well, it is quite understandable why the American Pro is visibly elated to see such changes on the LPGA Tour. Especially so, since many of her colleagues had spoken out about the same many times over the years.
Women Pros share the same concerns as Green
“Entry fees, flights, hotels, and rental cars don’t take care of themselves,” divulged Hannah Gregg, who is a professional on the Epson Tour and Women’s All Pro Tour. Adding on, she pointed out how even emerging victorious once doesn’t promise a better situation after a few months. Meanwhile, Danielle Kang and Angel Yin were also of the same opinion when it came to the LPGA Tour.
via Imago
August 25, 2022, Ottawa, ON, Canada: Danielle Kang, from the United States watches her shot on the 5th hole during the first day of action at the CP Women s Open, Thursday, August 25, 2022 in Ottawa. Danielle Kang PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY – ZUMAc35_ 20220825_zaf_c35_012 Copyright: xAdrianxWyldx. Image Credits: IMAGO
“I’m one player. How about the average Tour player?” asked Kang before disclosing, “I have to drive, rent a car, get a hotel room. Luckily enough for me, I’m sponsored by BMW which provides for me the car. That saves like $500, $1000, etc.” Thus, she was quite thankful for the increase in the investment in the women’s circuit: “When companies step up and give us an opportunity to make a living, make the tour better and broader and for players to compete and to be an actual job, it’s nice to see that.”
Similarly, Yin also expressed her concern for the numerous expenses that arise while playing for an event: “Everything comes from our own pocket and… a big portion goes to tax,… to my caddie and… to travel, and people who are on my team, let’s say physios who help me a week to week.” Anyhow, if such a situation is what a golfer like Yin experiences, then it truly paints a bleak picture for the average LPGA Tour Pro!
