LPGA Mizuho Americas Open Prize Money Breakdown Reveals Jeeno Thitikul's Victory The LPGA’s 2026 Mizuho Americas Open, held at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J., concluded with Jeeno Thitikul securing her second victory of the season and ninth career LPGA title. The event, which featured 120 players including 24 top junior golfers, marked a significant moment for Thitikul, who claimed the title as the defending champion despite the absence of Nelly Korda. Korda, who had previously won both a major and the previous week’s event in Mexico, did not compete this week, leaving Thitikul to step into the spotlight. Thitikul’s triumph came with a total purse of $3.25 million, with the champion earning $487,500. Ruoning Yin finished second, earning $304,824 after finishing four shots behind. The tournament also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the LPGA season, as four players have now won nine of the 11 events so far in 2026. Korda leads with three wins, followed by Thitikul, Hannah Green, and Hyo Joo Kim, each with two victories. Michelle Wie West, who hosted the event, used the week as a chance to return to competitive play after three years away from the tour. However, her performance was challenging, as she shot 82 and 80 to miss the cut. Wie West had announced her participation in the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera the following month, making this event a crucial opportunity to regain form. The tournament’s prize money distribution spanned a wide range, with top finishers receiving substantial payouts. Jenny Bae, Alison Lee, Gaby Lopez, Hye-Jin Choi, and Jenny Shin shared the third-place prize of $160,631, while Angel Yin, Erika Hara, and Celine Boutier earned $68,146 for tying for ninth.#lpga #mizuho_americas_open #jeeno_thitikul #mountain_ridge_country_club #west_caldwell
Nelly Korda and Jessica Korda compete in the same LPGA event for first time since 2023 Jessica Korda, 33, has adjusted her golf routine to accommodate her role as a mother. She practices three days a week, often splitting her time between short sessions and prioritizing time with her son, Greyson. While she once found joy in the sport, motherhood has shifted her focus. “I definitely prioritize my time with my son over golf, so it's not nearly as exciting as it used to be practicing,” she said. The sisters’ return to competing together in an official LPGA event marks a rare moment. The last time they played in a sanctioned tournament was December 2023 at the Grant Thornton Invitational, an unofficial mixed-team event. They also teamed up at the Seminole Pro-Member earlier this month. This week’s Ford Championship at Whirlwind Golf Club is their first shared appearance in a major LPGA event since 2023. Jessica, a six-time LPGA champion, last competed in an official event in May 2023, when she withdrew after the first round of the Founders Cup due to a back injury. She took a medical leave following the birth of her son, and her return to the tour has been gradual. “I didn’t think I would tee it up again after I was withdrawing out of a couple events in 2023, so being here, feeling good, we'll see where it takes us,” she said. Nelly Korda, 27, has been on a winning streak, capturing the first event of the season and returning to the tour after a six-week break. She finished second at the Fortinet Founders Cup, losing by one to Hyo Joo Kim. The sisters are staying together in a house during the tournament, with Nelly handling meals and their mother, Regina, taking charge of the baby monitor. Jessica’s return to competitive golf has been challenging.#lpga #nelly_korda #jessica_korda #ford_championship #regina_korda
Kai Trump Dragged for ‘Tone Deaf’ Luxury Shopping Trip Stunt President Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, faced widespread criticism after uploading a YouTube vlog showcasing her shopping trip at a high-end Los Angeles supermarket. The video, which detailed her purchases, sparked backlash for its perceived insensitivity, particularly given the timing of the content’s release and the broader geopolitical context. Kai Trump, who is estimated to have earned over $1 million through golf-related endorsements and sponsorships, revealed in the vlog that her grocery haul totaled $233. This figure drew particular scrutiny, as it contrasted sharply with the public discourse surrounding economic hardship and military service. Social media users and YouTube commenters highlighted the irony of her spending, noting that she is 18 years old—a legal age to enlist in the military amid the ongoing war in Iran. One commenter remarked, “I love that my taxes are funding this instead of school lunches,” while another wrote, “They’re sending people who barely get by as it is to get blown up for Israel, while their kids go to overpriced grocery stores and Miami condos without a care in the world.” The vlog was actually posted on Kai Trump’s TikTok account in January, more than a month before the war in Iran escalated. This timing raised questions about the appropriateness of the content, as critics argued that the video’s release seemed to ignore the gravity of the conflict. Despite the backlash, Kai Trump has not publicly addressed the controversy, though her team has been contacted by The Daily Beast for comment. Beyond the shopping trip, Kai Trump has also drawn attention for her aspirations to become a professional golfer. However, she finished last in her LPGA debut, a performance that has been met with mixed reactions.#donald_trump #los_angeles #kai_trump #lpga #daily_beast
