LPGA Tour Returns to Bay Area with Founders Cup in 2024

The LPGA Tour is making a significant return to the Bay Area with the upcoming Fortinet Founders Cup, scheduled to take place from March 19-22, 2024, at the Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park. This marks the first regular LPGA event in the region since 2021, following a four-year absence. The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Fortinet, a cybersecurity firm based in Sunnyvale, securing a multi-year partnership as the title sponsor for the event.

The Founders Cup, which celebrates the 13 women who established the LPGA in 1950, will feature a purse of $3 million, an increase from the $2 million offered in previous years. The event has historically been held in states like Arizona, New Jersey, and Florida, but this will be its Bay Area debut, generating excitement among local fans and players alike.

The last LPGA tournament in the Bay Area was the Mediheal Championship, hosted at Lake Merced Golf Club from 2018 to 2021. Notably, the 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Bay Area did not host an LPGA event during that time, it did welcome the 2023 International Crown at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, and the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open took place at the Olympic Club in the city. The region has a rich golfing history, making the return of the LPGA a momentous occasion for enthusiasts.

Next year will mark the 15th edition of the Founders Cup. This year’s event was claimed by Yealimi Noh, who secured her first tour victory, defeating Jin Young Ko. Notably, Rose Zhang, a Stanford standout, triumphed in 2024, marking her second professional victory. The event aims to honor the pioneering women who laid the foundation for the LPGA, including the likes of Babe Zaharias and Patty Berg.

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Fortinet, stating, “We’re fired up to welcome Fortinet as the title partner of the Founders Cup and grateful for their commitment to elevating this historic event.” He emphasized the significance of the Founders Cup as a platform to celebrate the legacy of the LPGA’s founders while showcasing the talent of today’s players. “Many of our athletes have deep ties to Northern California, and this partnership allows us to celebrate that connection while growing the game and inspiring future generations,” he added.

The return of the LPGA Tour to the Bay Area not only revitalizes local interest in women’s golf but also highlights the ongoing commitment to promoting the sport at all levels. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a remarkable event at one of the region’s premier golf courses.