LPGA unveils $4M Nanea Cup event that mixes pros, collegians
The LPGA has announced a new tournament, the Nanea Cup, which brings professional and collegiate golf together. Scheduled for March 11-14, 2026, the event takes place at the Nanea Golf Club in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. This tournament offers a $4 million purse and features a unique field of 95 LPGA Tour professionals alongside 25 top college golfers.
The participating universities include Stanford, Texas, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and UCLA. Tournament play runs from Thursday to Friday, with a cut to the low 50 players and ties. College golfers who do not make the cut will continue to play on Saturday to compete for team titles, providing significant exposure for the next generation of talent.
LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler noted that the tournament addresses key goals for the organization regarding course quality and purse sizes. Nanea Golf Club, designed by David McLay Kidd, sits on the Big Island and is built among volcanic rock and native grasses. This is the first time the exclusive club has hosted a professional event.
Television coverage on The Golf Channel will highlight the college athletes and their coaches. By combining established professionals with emerging talent, the LPGA expects this format to offer a fresh look at the game. The event aims to bridge the gap between current tour stars and the future of the sport.