With a convoluted schedule last season because of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the British Open was the week before the inaugural FM Championship. This year, the CPKC Women’s Open in Ontario, Canada precedes it, making for a much closer trip for players.
The purse makes it one of the highest grossing events on the LPGA schedule. The tournament, its organizers, and sponsors have gone the extra mile to cover hotel costs for all players, help to offset transportation difficulties, and include additional amenities that other tournaments might overlook.
A welcome dinner with a plethora of lobster rolls certainly helps welcome players to the area.
“Once the girls get here who haven’t been here in the past, they are going to see what a premier event this is,” said Khang. “It’s going to be one of those stops where no one ever wants to miss.”
An impressive field will tee it up a week from Thursday. The top two ranked players in the world, Jeeno Thitikul and Nelly Korda, will make their FM Championship debuts. Haeran Ryu returns to defend her title. 2024 runner-up Jin Young Ko returns and all five major champions will compete. Three Massachusetts natives dot the field, featuring Khang (Rockland), Brittany Altomare (Shrewsbury), and Alexa Pano (Westborough). The field will be officially announced on Tuesday.
“The word’s out — the FM Championship is the place to be this time of year,” said Dave Johnson, the FM senior vice president.
Khang, ranked 31st in the world, commuted to the tournament from Medford last year. She will stay at home and try to balance the golf side of the week with seeing her friends and family.
“Obviously, it’s going to be in the back of my mind,” she said of playing in her home state, with plenty of support. “It’s not something that I’m going to shy away from. I think it’s just exciting. Definitely going to try to tell myself on the golf course, for those 18 holes, it’s just my caddie, myself, and I just doing our normal thing. Just got to focus on the task at hand and not get too ahead of myself.”
Khang still lives in Massachusetts full time, a rare feat considering how short the golf season is compared to warmer climates where year-round play is attainable.
“I just really hope it shows that for those that aren’t able to move away, you can do anything,” said Khang.
“There’s not many girls that come out of Massachusetts that make it on tour,” said Khang. “To be one of them, it’s a huge honor because it gives those wanting to pursue professional golf something to look up to.”
Bradley recently donated 321 items of her memorabilia to Mass Golf. Filling 23 boxes, her six major championship trophies stand proudly at its headquarters, located up the road from TPC Boston.
Bradley, who won 31 events in her LPGA career, will be in attendance for the tournament.
“It means a lot,” said Bradley. “It means a lot for women’s golf to be back in Massachusetts. We have a terrific history in golf and women’s golf. When I come back next week and I walk these fairways, I’m going to hold my head up high and enjoy every minute.”
Bradley played several times in her home state in her career. Now, without the pressure of competing, she can take in the action as a fan with an appreciation for the athletes and their talents.
“To be back here at TPC Boston is a huge treat,” said Bradley. “To watch these athletes show their talents on this golf course will be something very special that I just can’t wait to watch. They are just so, so talented. They are great ambassadors to not only the game of golf, but the world of golf.”
Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.
