The LPGA, with its rich history stretching back nearly 75 years, has witnessed the support of numerous business leaders who have significantly championed the cause of women’s golf. Among the newest advocates are Walter Wang and his wife Shirley, whose involvement in sponsoring an LPGA event has swiftly made a profound impact on the sport.
Just two years into their journey of backing the LPGA, the Wangs have markedly enhanced the competitive landscape. Their dedication was highlighted at last year’s JM Eagle LA Championship, where they boosted the prize fund from $1.5 million to an impressive $3 million. This year, their commitment soared even higher, raising the purse to $3.75 million. This generous increase not only set the LA Championship apart as the richest event outside the major championships and the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship but also underscored the Wangs’ five-year pledge to the event, with Walter’s JM Eagle as the title sponsor and Shirley’s Plastpro as the presenting sponsor.
Women’s Golf
The surge in prize money is emblematic of a broader trend within women’s golf. The 2024 season boasts 11 non-major tournaments with purses exceeding $3 million, a significant rise from just five the previous year, pushing the total LPGA prize money beyond $120 million. This leap forward reflects Walter Wang’s vision to bridge the financial disparity between the PGA Tour and the LPGA, rooted in a belief that the athletes deserve greater recognition and reward for their dedication to golf.
The impact of the Wangs’ sponsorship extends beyond monetary contributions, enhancing the overall experience of the JM Eagle LA Championship for both players and fans. The tournament, set against the backdrop of the prestigious Wilshire Country Club, not only covers accommodation for the 144 competitors but also offers complimentary transportation, ensuring a focus on performance and enjoyment. With early commitments from top-ranked players like Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, the event promises to be a showcase of the highest level of women’s golf.
Prize Money
Lizette Salas, a seasoned LPGA professional and California native lauded the Wangs’ commitment to enhancing the sport in Los Angeles, recognizing their efforts to alleviate the athletes’ stress and spotlight the dedication and passion that define women’s golf.
Despite JM Eagle’s position as a global leader in plastic pipe manufacturing, Walter Wang views his support of the LPGA not as a business strategy but as a heartfelt contribution to the community and the sport he loves. Influenced by personal challenges and profound life experiences, Wang’s patronage of women’s golf transcends commercial interests, aiming to foster the sport’s growth and accessibility, especially among young and at-risk communities.
Through their sponsorship, the Wangs exemplify the transformative power of philanthropy in golf, demonstrating that the true value lies not in tangible returns but in the joy and progression of the sport they passionately support.
