Life on the LPGA Tour is far from glamorous behind the scenes. Imagine finishing a Sunday event in New Jersey, then rushing to Ohio to tee off the very next morning—all while trying to keep your game sharp. It’s exhausting, and players have been saying so for years. Now, finally, someone in charge is paying attention.
Earlier this year, Jessica Korda shed light on the hidden toll of the relentless calendar when asked why players often struggle with injuries. She didn’t hold back: “Fatigue plays a huge role. If you’re tired, your whole body feels it. We do play a lot,” she admitted, recalling weeks when she was in New Jersey one week, Seattle the next, and Ohio right after. Her words rang true in 2025, with the tour spread across 35 tournaments, 14 states, and 12 countries—including grueling swings through Asia and Europe.
Now, newly appointed commissioner Craig Kessler has vowed to tackle the problem head-on. In his first remarks, he emphasized that while building star power worldwide remains a priority, he knows player welfare cannot be overlooked. “If we can optimize the schedule, play elevated courses, and avoid sending players zigzagging across the globe, that would be a huge win,” he said.
The term “whipsawing” wasn’t just talk—players have been bouncing from coast to coast and even across continents with barely time to recover. The result? Burnout, mounting injuries, and subpar performances on the sport’s biggest stages. Despite record prize money of $131 million this year, the LPGA risks long-term setbacks if players continue running on empty.
Jessica Korda’s story underscores the point. After battling injuries, she stepped away from the game in 2023. Looking back, she admits the brutal travel demands weighed heavily throughout her career. As a rookie in 2011, she juggled limited starts, Monday qualifiers, and stressful flights just to stay in contention. Although former commissioner Mike Whan expanded the tour globally, she recalls, “The travel was insane.”
Her candid perspective highlights the hidden struggles beneath the polished image of tour life. If Kessler succeeds in reshaping the schedule and easing the strain, it could secure a healthier, more sustainable future for one of golf’s most exciting tours. When players aren’t drained by fatigue, they can focus on what they do best—putting on a show for fans.
For the LPGA’s next chapter, voices like Korda’s—grounded in experience and honesty—are exactly what the tour needs.
