As the PGA of America prepares for its next major event, Local Profile spoke with Jason Mengel, championship director of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, who reflects on insights from past tournaments and previews upcoming changes.
The PGA of America’s commitment to enhancing the spectator experience is evident as Mengel discusses key takeaways and adjustments for the future championships, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2025 and the 2027 PGA Championship at PGA Frisco.
From the previous major, the 2023 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, Mengel highlighted several important lessons. "We learned a lot about how people spectate the golf course and the areas they prefer to utilize," said Mengel. Observations from the senior event revealed patterns in how fans navigated the course and engaged with various locations.
Mengel also highlighted the significant contributions from local partners, including the Omni PGA Frisco Resort and the Northern Texas PGA Section, whose support has been crucial to the success of past championships.“We have very supportive golf fans in the community, and certainly hope that as we continue to host these major championships here, they will come back again and again,” said Mengel.
One significant change for the upcoming KPMG Women’s PGA Championship involves expanded parking and logistical improvements. A new secondary staging area has been added near hole 12 to accommodate increased demand. Corporate guests will now have parking at Panther Creek High School, simplifying their access to the event. Additionally, adjustments to the main entrance, including potentially alternating entry points based on wind direction, are being considered to enhance the spectator experience, which would allow them to see the world’s top players practicing upon arrival.
The PGA of America is also leveraging real-time feedback to refine its approach. Mengel explained that while some adjustments can be made during the event, a comprehensive review takes place afterward to incorporate new insights, benefiting both players and spectators.
While hosting multiple events at the same location provides some logistical continuity, Mengel noted that each championship has its own distinct “personality and scale.” This approach ensures that each event offers a unique experience while benefiting from shared learnings.
This iterative process is vital as the PGA of America transitions from the senior event to the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2025, followed by the 2027 PGA Championship.
Looking ahead to the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Mengel expressed excitement about the opportunity for PGA Frisco to host the world’s best female golfers. He highlighted the significant growth in female participation, with a 25% increase since 2019 and over 7 million women playing golf last year. This growing interest in women’s sports reflects a broader trend of increased visibility and engagement in the sport.
As previously reported by Local Profile, this will be the first time this major has been held in Texas and the second Major overall at PGA Frisco. The upcoming championship will feature prominent players like Nelly Korda, Brooke Henderson, and defending champion Amy Yang. "The growth among women in golf is remarkable, and we're excited to support it by hosting top players at PGA Frisco," said Mengel.
For more information about the championship or to purchase tickets, click here.
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