USGA, Ally Financial partner to elevate U.S. Women’s Open purse to record heights

NEW YORK — A game of golf reached an exciting climax Thursday at Chelsea Piers Golf Club on Manhattan’s west side.

The United States Golf Association (USGA), in conjunction with Ally Financial, has announced an exciting partnership to help grow golf at all levels across the United States.

First and foremost, Ally will be the presenting sponsor of the U.S. Women’s Open. They raised the prize money for the 2024 championship to a record $12 million, a significant increase from just $5.5 million just three years ago.

“When I left the LPGA, [in 2021], I told some good friends that I promised them that I would continue to lead as best I could. The best I can do at the USGA is this tournament, the U.S. Women’s Open. This is a truly remarkable event,” USGA CEO Mike Wang said in an exclusive interview with Playing Through.

Prior to working for the USGA, Mr. Wang served as commissioner of the LPGA.

“Generally speaking, young women are eligible to win the U.S. Women’s Open when they turn 12,” Wang added.

“Finding a partner who is not only interested in the scope and coverage time we can offer, but also really interested in elevating women’s sports in general, is just the perfect storm.”

Arai is committed to investing equal amounts in men’s and women’s sports, and Thursday’s announcement represents that.

The USGA also wants to host the U.S. Women’s Open on some of the best courses in the United States.

Last year, Arisen Corpus won the men’s championship at Pebble Beach, which has hosted six U.S. Opens.

“this [partnership] So we can continue to sell wallets and we can continue to sell TVs,” Wang added.

“And perhaps most importantly, we will continue to improve the quality of the venues we go to. Our U.S. Women’s Open roster will rival any major, men’s or women’s, for the next 10 years. We are really proud of that.”

Here’s the complete list of the next 10 U.S. Women’s Opens:

1. 2024: Lancaster Country Club — Lancaster, Pennsylvania
2. 2025: Erin Hills — Erin, Wisconsin
3. 2026: Riviera Country Club — Pacific Palisades, California
4. 2027: Inverness Club — Toledo, Ohio
5. 2028: Oakmont Country Club — Plum, Pennsylvania
6. 2029: Pinehurst No. 2 — Pinehurst, North Carolina
7. 2030: Interlachen Country Club — Edina, Minnesota
8. 2031: Oakland Hills Country Club — Bloomfield Township, Michigan
9. 2032: Los Angeles Country Club — Los Angeles, California
10. 2033: Chicago Golf Club — Wheaton, Illinois

All these 10 courses are Ranked within the top 100 Golf Digest’s list of America’s best courses has proven that women’s golf’s most important event is contested on the grandest stage.

“I feel there is a lot of room for improvement in the women’s game and in women’s golf,” world No. 1 Lilia Vu said in an interview. Interview with Playing Through.

“We are delighted that companies and brands like Ally are taking this issue seriously and investing in us.”

In addition to investing in the USGA, Ally Financial has partnered with Vu, who won two major championships in 2023. Vu and her caddy Cole Pensanti will wear visors with Allie’s logo in all tournaments this season.

“Their commitment to improving equity in women’s sports is unprecedented,” Vu added.

“I look forward to working with their team and fellow brand ambassadors to make a difference and encourage others to do the same.”

Additionally, Ally will be a founding partner of the U.S. National Development Program, helping to advance opportunities for young golfers regardless of gender, race or socio-economic status.

The program was launched last year and is the first of its kind in the United States.

Photo by Mike Ehrman/Getty Images

Other countries have similar programs, which explains why so many international players have found success on the LPGA Tour at such a young age.

“We quickly realized that these women all came from different national programs, and when they arrived, they were all ready to compete at the professional level.” added Wang.

“They learn how to travel, coach, stretch, and are really independent. They’re usually slower to pick up on that because that wasn’t really the case for most Americans. I understand that we didn’t give them the same advantages as countries.”

When Wang joined the USGA three years ago, he wanted to create a program that would lead America’s youth to a career in golf. It has been his “passion project” for years and now, thanks to Ally’s support, this dream has become a reality.

But how does this program work?

“Keep this local for a long time,” Wang said.

Let’s say you live in South Carolina and your daughter is 12 years old and has a strong passion for golf. She was good, but you were told to join her on her national junior golf circuit.

The next thing you know, you’re traveling from coast to coast, spending an incredible amount of money.

However, this is where the U.S. Development Program intervenes.

Instead of connecting you to the national junior circuit, this program will introduce you to the Carolina Golf Association or your local golf association near you.

Your local golf organization will then work with the USGA to create the path that’s best for you. This includes being introduced to a coach and learning how to properly stretch, exercise, and maintain a healthy diet. These are all important things that professional golfers do every day.

The program also offers playing opportunities at the local level.

“Through our program, we are sponsored by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and earn spots in their events,” Wang further explained.

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

“So you can say, ‘Let’s stay local.’ You don’t have to spend a lot of money. But when you’re ready, when we both feel you need a bigger competition, we’ll put you in that competition.” let them participate [national] You do not need to have traveled in the past three years to be eligible to attend the event. ”

The USGA then invites the best 12-year-olds to play at several “anchor sites” throughout the year.

Perhaps you’ll visit Pinehurst No. 2 and learn about nutrition and stretching. In six months, you might go to Wisconsin and meet Erin Hills’ caddies and Division I coaches. And after a year, the USGA will invite you to Oakmont to learn about travel, business, and independent financial management.

“All of these things are very important in pursuing a career in professional golf,” Wang added.

“But if you wait until you become a professional golfer, it’s really hard to catch up.”

For many young Americans, these paths were not possible, creating difficulties and stress when athletes reach the professional level. However, the game of golf is very expensive, so these options have not been affordable for many families.

But thanks to a partnership between the USGA and Ally Financial, that all changes.

The future of gaming is fine.

Hopefully, more young women realize that their dream of becoming a professional golfer is easier to achieve than ever before.

And once you get there, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you.

Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.