Rolex Rankings No. 1 Nelly Korda leads a stacked LPGA Tour field that includes 19 of the world’s top 20 players, 30 major champions and 51 Olympians

Gabby Barker, the first female Native American professional golfer, to receive sponsor invitation

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 19, 2025) – From March 27-30, Phoenix-area sports fans can get up close and personal with some of the world’s best professional golfers at the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. With a star-studded field competing at Whirlwind Golf Club, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable thrills, action and drama throughout the four days of competition.

Who to watch…

Defending champion Nelly Korda leads an incredibly strong field for the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, the first event in the United States after the LPGA Tour returns from three weeks playing across Asia. Currently, 19 of the top 20 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings will compete next week at Whirlwind Golf Club. That group includes major champions Celine Boutier, Ayaka Furue, Hannah Green, Jin Young Ko, Lydia Ko, Korda, Yuka Saso, Lilia Vu, Amy Yang and Ruoning Yin. There are a total of 30 major champions in the field, including all five major winners from 2024, with a combined total of 44 major victories.

There are 51 Olympians in the field, including Esther Henseleit (2024 silver medalist), Korda (2020 gold medalist) and L. Ko (2016 silver medalist, 2020 bronze medalist, 2024 gold medalist); 32 athletes who have competed in the Solheim Cup, including 10 members of the victorious 2024 U.S. Team and their captain Stacy Lewis; and 35 players who have represented their country at the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown.

2024 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Sarah Schmelzel, who was born and raised in Phoenix, headlines the list of competitors with Arizona connections. She is joined by former Arizona State University Sun Devils Carlota Ciganda, Linn Grant, Azahara Munoz, Anna Nordqvist and Linnea Strom.

There are 18 2025 rookies in the field, led by 2024 Epson Tour graduates Jenny Bae, Ingrid Lindblad, Cassie Porter, Jessica Porvasnik, Fiona Xu and Madison Young.

Gabby Barker, from Caldwell, Idaho, will join the field as one of two sponsor exemptions. A member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Barker is the first female Native American professional golfer. Barker’s selection comes from The Thunderbirds, a Founding Partner of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass.

“I am incredibly grateful to have received a sponsor invite to the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. It’s an honor to compete against the best in the world while also representing something much bigger than myself,” said Barker. “As a Native American woman, it’s so special to see Indian Country pushing for women’s golf and creating a space where this is happening. Being on this stage allows me to share my culture, inspire the next generation, and show that opportunities like this are possible. I’m thrilled for the week ahead and proud to be part of this moment.”

Maria Fassi, a two-time Olympian representing Mexico, also received a sponsor exemption into the competition.

The final two spots in the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass field will be filled with the top-two finishers at Monday’s Local Qualifying Round. For a complete list of tournament entries, click here.

What to do…

Once on site, fans can experience several fun activities beyond purely watching golf. The LPGA Tour’s 75th Anniversary Mobile Experience will debut at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. This immersive activation will feature digital storytelling, a 75th-inspired retail capsule, and a season-long sweepstakes. A highlight of the Mobile Experience will be a Custom Hat Bar, where fans can choose a hat and pick from a variety of fun patches, with a personalized design created right on site. The Mobile Experience will also feature the latest LPGA gear including polos, mid-layers and accessories. Browse the full selection of LPGA gear online by visiting LPGAProShop.com.

Fans are invited to stop by the Ford display, hosted by the Arizona Ford Dealers, for a variety of activities that will challenge skill and creativity with plenty of opportunities to win some great prizes!

While at the Ford display, fans are encouraged to register for the Ford Championship Hole-In-One Sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win a 2025 Ford Expedition! If a player makes an ace on the 15th hole on Saturday or Sunday, she will win a 2025 Ford Expedition not only for herself, but also for one lucky fan who has registered for the sweepstakes. For more information and to register for the sweepstakes, visit FordChampionship.com. Registration runs through March 30, 2025.

The Iovera Lesson Zone will offer fans the unique opportunity to receive a free 10-minute lesson from an LPGA Teaching Professional. Visit their booth to sign up for a lesson.

For more information on all the events happening at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, visit FordChampionship.com.

How to come…

Tickets for the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass are available for purchase at SeatGeek.com. General admission daily tickets start at $49, with weekly passes starting at $129. Hospitality tickets for the Trophy Bar at 16 are $224 for daily admission and $799 for weekly access. The Trophy Bar at 16 provides premium access to an open-air structure on the 16th green and includes shared food and beverage services, including bar options and complimentary on-site parking.

Juniors aged 17 and under will receive complimentary admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on junior tickets, visit FordChampionship.com. The LPGA is also pleased to offer both current and former members of the U.S. Military and certain guests complimentary grounds tickets regardless of sell-out. Click here for information on military tickets.

Media who wish to attend and cover the competition should apply for credentials at www.lpgamediacredentials.com. The credential application closes Friday, March 21 at 5 p.m. local.

Final Field Set for 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass

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