The 2026 LOTTE Championship is set to begin on October 1st at Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, boasting one of the most competitive fields on the LPGA Tour this fall. Leading the charge is world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, who headlines a tournament rich with top-ranked talent.
Joining Thitikul among the elite contenders are Hyo Joo Kim (No. 4), Miyu Yamashita (No. 5), and Hannah Green (No. 10), assembling a deep roster that underscores the championship’s growing prestige. The event offers a purse of $3 million, reflecting its importance on the LPGA calendar.
Defending Champion Returns as Tournament Shifts Schedule
The reigning champion, Youmin Hwang, returns to defend her title after clinching a thrilling victory in 2025. Hwang’s remarkable finish last year saw her birdie four of the final five holes, edging out the competition by a single stroke at 17-under par. Alongside Hwang, former Hoakalei winners A Lim Kim and Grace Kim are also in contention, promising an intense battle for the crown.
This year’s tournament introduces a significant change in format. For the first time in its 14-year history, the LOTTE Championship will be contested over a traditional four-day weekend, moving away from its previous Wednesday-to-Saturday schedule that accommodated South Korean television broadcasts.
Weather conditions could play a role early in the championship, with Thursday’s forecast predicting showers and temperatures near 85 degrees. The course, a par-72 layout designed by Ernie Els, will challenge players amid potentially humid and wet conditions. Despite this, spectators are expected to witness some of the finest golf of the season at this star-studded event.