A First in Women's Golf! LPGA's Bold New $4 Million Tournament Changes Everything

The LPGA Tour has announced the launch of the Nanea Cup, an innovative new tournament designed to unite the world's best professional golfers with some of America's most promising collegiate talent. Scheduled to take place from March 11 to 14, 2027, the inaugural event will be hosted at the prestigious Nanea Golf Club in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and will feature a $4 million prize purse.

The tournament will welcome 95 LPGA Tour professionals alongside 25 elite college golfers representing five powerhouse university programs— Stanford, Texas, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and UCLA. The format aims to celebrate both the current stars of women's golf and the next generation poised to shape the sport.

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler described the tournament as a major step forward for women's golf, highlighting its world-class venue, substantial prize money, and unique opportunity for fans to witness top professionals compete alongside rising collegiate stars.

Every participant will compete during the opening two rounds on Thursday and Friday before the field is reduced to the top 50 players and ties for the weekend. College golfers who miss the cut will continue playing on Saturday to determine the university team champions, ensuring meaningful competition throughout the event.

Adding another unique element, Golf Channel will produce special features on participating college athletes and coaches, offering viewers an inside look at the future of women's golf while showcasing the journey from collegiate competition to the professional stage.

The tournament also marks a historic milestone for Nanea Golf Club, which opened in 2003 and has never before hosted a professional event. Designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, the scenic links-style course is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and native Hawaiian surroundings. It already enjoys a strong reputation through the annual Nanea Invitational, hosted by Stanford women's golf coach Anne Walker.

With a blend of elite professionals, emerging collegiate talent, a prestigious venue and one of the richest purses in women's golf, the Nanea Cup is set to become one of the LPGA Tour's most anticipated new events.