This week on Birdie Buzz, Marie recaps the week in women’s golf—from canceled tournaments that turned into community wins to big conversations about the future of the LPGA. 

First, we close out coverage of the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship, where rain canceled play but Walmart and the LPGA still delivered a $2 million payout to players and 8,000 donated meals to the local community.

Then, LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler makes headlines with yet another Venn diagram—this time adding a third circle and promising to “work ruthlessly” to create global superstars. Marie breaks down what that means, and who might get left out.

We also hear from Lexi Thompson, who opened up about stepping back for her mental health, reflecting on the grind of the tour, her earnings this season, and what it says about the financial realities of professional women’s golf.

Finally, Michelle Wie West proves she’s still one of the game’s strongest voices, calling out slow play, questioning rules, and sharing her daughter’s budding love for golf.

From payouts and policies to retirements and rule changes, Birdie Buzz brings you the front page snapshot of women’s golf you won’t find anywhere else.

This week’s Birdie Buzz is packed with storylines both on and off the course.

The Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship was washed out after torrential rains, leaving the tournament unofficial at just 18 holes—but not before Lilia Vu flashed signs of her comeback, and Muni “Lily” He impressed with her best round since 2023 under the guidance of a new caddie.

LPGA legend Stacy Lewis announced her retirement, bringing her career full circle in Arkansas where she earned her first unofficial win in 2007. Beyond her 13 titles and two majors, Lewis leaves a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship growth for the tour.

Elsewhere, Craig Kessler secured Fortinet as the new Founders Cup sponsor, ensuring the event’s future with a $3M purse in Northern California.

Alison Lee returned to competition just months after an emergency C-section, showing resilience as she balances motherhood with her career.

And of course, Charley Hull made headlines once again—this time at Windsor Castle, with hints of a golf game to come alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump.

From storm-shortened leaderboards to milestone retirements and fresh sponsorships, this week showcased the unpredictability and personality that makes women’s golf compelling.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie previews the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship, the 19th edition of the event at Pinnacle Country Club. This 54-hole, three-day tournament features a $3 million purse with $450,000 going to the winner—one of the larger paydays on tour for a short event. Last year’s champion Jasmine Suwannapura took the title at -17, setting the stage for another week of low scoring—though possible rain could shift the dynamic.

While world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul is sitting out ahead of the grueling Asian swing, plenty of big names are in the field. Past champions like Nasa Hataoka, Haeran Ryu, and Stacey Lewis return, alongside Rolex Top 25 players Nelly Korda, Maja Stark, Mao Saigo, and Jin Young Ko. Rising stars and recent winners such as Lottie Woad, Grace Kim, and Chisato Iwai add even more intrigue.

Fans attending in person will find one of the most affordable tickets on tour—just $10 per day or $25 for the week—along with fun upgrades like the local “Bite Experience” and the lively Gatorade Loudest Hole at 17. For viewers at home, coverage will be split between Golf Channel and Peacock across all three days.

With 25 different winners already this season, the big question looms: will someone finally become a repeat champion, or will we crown the 26th unique winner of 2025? Tune in for what promises to be a dramatic and entertaining week in Arkansas.

In this debut edition of The Birdie Buzz, Marie delivers the week’s biggest LPGA headlines in one quick listen.

First up: Charley Hull breaks through in Cincinnati at the Kroger Queen City Championship, winning her first LPGA title in three years after battling a tough season of injuries. The dramatic finish came as World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul stumbled with a shocking four-putt on the final day, making Hull’s gritty win one of the stories of the season.

Next, Marie breaks down the heated Rookie of the Year race led by Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, whose fifth straight top-10 finish gives her an edge over fellow Japanese standouts Rio Takeda and Chisato Iwai. With eight events left, the race is far from over, but Yamashita’s consistency and poise make her the front-runner.

The episode also spotlights the newest Epson Tour graduates headed to the LPGA—including 19-year-old Yana Wilson, Japan’s Erika Hana, and Duke alum Gina Kim—showcasing the fresh wave of talent set to join the tour.

Finally, Marie shares candid reflections on Commissioner Craig Kessler’s first players’ meeting. While Kessler promised to build trust and refine scheduling, his remarks about women needing to be “more compelling” raised concerns about the LPGA’s media strategy and fan engagement. Marie doesn’t hold back in her critique, stressing that the women are already interesting—it’s the platform that needs to catch up.

Stay tuned every week for The Birdie Buzz—your quick front-page snapshot of everything happening in women’s golf.

This week on The Birdie Briefing, Marie takes us inside the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, one of only eight tournaments left before the CME Tour Championship. Hosted at TPC River’s Bend in Cincinnati, this $2 million event brings together one of the strongest fields we’ve seen all season. Defending champion Lydia Ko returns after her record-setting -23 victory last year, while Rolex World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul looks to turn her string of top-10 finishes into another win. Nelly Korda is still searching for her first victory of the year, and past champions like Minjee Lee, Miyu Yamashita, Mao Saigo, and Hyo Joo Kim add even more firepower to the lineup. In fact, 21 of this season’s 24 winners are in the field, along with 20 of the Rolex Top 25. Rising rookies like Miranda Wang, Lottie Woad, and the Iwai sisters add fresh intrigue to the mix. Marie also shares ticket info, fan perks, and what to expect from this Arnold Palmer-designed course as the tour heads into its fall stretch.

Round one of the FM Championship delivered plenty of excitement with three players sharing the lead at seven-under par. Sei Young Kim, a 12-time LPGA winner and 2020 major champion, is looking to break her winless streak, while England’s Jodi Ewart-Shadoff surged with eight birdies for a share of the top spot. Joining them is American Allisen Corpuz, who bounced back in style after several missed cuts, reminding everyone of the form that earned her a podium finish earlier this season. Just one stroke back, rookie Miranda Wang impressed with nine birdies, the most of the day, offset by three bogeys. A deep pack sits at five-under, including Andrea Lee, Nelly Korda, Minjee Lee, Celine Boutier, Madison Young, Emily Kristine Pedersen, and Weiwei Zhang. With so many big names already near the top, the stage is set for a thrilling battle heading into round two.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie previews the LPGA’s next stop: the FM Championship at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. Now in just its second year, the tournament is already making a big impression with a record-setting $4.1 million purse—the largest outside of the majors—offering $615,000 to the winner. Marie highlights the unique player perks that set this event apart: free accommodations, flight vouchers, laundry credits, meals, and even a $1,000 stipend for those who miss the cut—rare benefits on the LPGA Tour. She also draws parallels to other player-focused tournaments like Black Desert, praising FM for creating a stop that players want to attend. The field is stacked, with 21 of this season’s 23 winners competing, including Brooke Henderson, Jeeno Thitikul, Minjee Lee, Maja Stark, Grace Kim, and defending champion Haeran Ryu. Notably absent are Lydia Ko and Hyo Joo Kim. Big names like Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, Hannah Green, and Celine Boutier will also tee it up, alongside rising talents Gurleen Kaur, Amelie Salzman, and Megha Ganne. Marie also shares some fun off-course notes, from the tournament’s Instagram stunts with the Patriots mascot to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s remarks about the growth of women’s sports. She wraps up with practical details for fans: ticket prices (including free admission for kids and veterans) and how to watch live—via ESPN+ featured groups or daily Golf Channel coverage. With a huge purse, player-first treatment, and nearly every top LPGA name in attendance, the FM Championship promises to be one of the year’s most exciting tournaments.

On day four of the CPKC Women’s Open, Brooke Henderson gave Canadian fans the finish they dreamed of—clinching her second national title and her first win since 2023. Henderson’s victory felt destined, as she described it, and it vaulted her from 53rd to 26th in the CME Race to the Globe standings. The final round was a nail-biter, with Minjee Lee just one stroke back until the very last hole, and Mao Saigo charging into solo third with a five-under round. Rising star Akie Iwai secured solo fourth, while Manon De Roey and Lydia Ko shared fifth. The top ten rounded out with Jeeno Thitikul, Megan Khang, Gaby Lopez, and a five-way tie at tenth including Nelly Korda and Sei Young Kim. It was a showcase of world-class talent, passionate Canadian crowds, and the enduring importance of this event on the LPGA Tour.

Round three of the Canadian Women’s Open delivered all the drama of moving day. Brooke Henderson thrilled the home crowd by shooting a 65, highlighted by a spectacular bunker eagle on 17, to tie for the lead at -11. Sharing the top spot is Minjee Lee, who put together a 66 with two eagles and looks poised for another big win. Behind them, Jeeno Thitikul and Akie Iwai sit three shots back at -8, keeping the chase alive. JLee5 and Yu Liu surged into contention at -7, while a strong group at -6—including Grace Kim, Mao Saigo, 15-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng, and Manon De Roey—rounds out a stacked leaderboard. With network TV coverage on CBS for the final day, fans are set for an exciting finish.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie recaps round two of the CPKC Women’s Open. Akie Iwai continues her dominant run, holding solo first at -9 with a three-shot lead heading into the weekend. Chasing her in second are Minjee Lee, Leona Maguire, and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul at -6. Brooke Henderson thrilled the home crowd with the low round of the day (-5), climbing into a tie for fifth alongside Megan Khang, Jenny Bae, and Linnea Strum. The field remains tightly packed with big names like Nelly Korda, Ariya Jutanugarn, Gaby Lopez, and Minami Katsu lurking just a few shots back. While Akie has the edge, the course isn’t giving up low scores easily—meaning it’s still anyone’s tournament going into moving day. Marie also runs through the cut line, notable players who missed the weekend, and broadcast details for round three.