One of the most prestigious tournaments in women's golf, the Chevron Championship, has seen significant changes in prize money over its storied history. Originally introduced as a regular event on the LPGA Tour, it was elevated to major championship status in 1983. Since then, the purse and winner's share have steadily increased, reflecting the growing importance of this tournament in the world of professional golf. This year, the tournament reached new heights with a purse of $7.9 million, marking another milestone in its evolution.

The origins of the Chevron Championship date back to the early days of the LPGA Tour. Before becoming a major in 1983, it served as an important stop on the circuit under various names. Amy Alcott claimed the first major title in 1983, taking home $55,000 from a total purse of $400,000. Over the years, the tournament has undergone several name changes, including Nabisco Dinah Shore, Kraft Nabisco Championship, ANA Inspiration, and now simply Chevron Championship. Each transformation brought about substantial increases in prize money, highlighting the growing prestige of the event.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the purse continued to grow. In 1987, Betsy King became the first player to win $80,000 when the purse reached $500,000. By 1990, the purse had climbed to $600,000, allowing King to earn $90,000 upon her second victory. The trend persisted into the next decade, with Dottie Mochrie breaking the six-figure barrier in 1992 by receiving $105,000. By 1998, the purse had doubled to $1 million, and Pat Hurst earned $150,000 for her efforts.

As the millennium approached, the tournament further solidified its place among the top-tier events. Between 2000 and 2014, the purse expanded significantly, reaching $2 million in 2014. During this period, winners consistently received $300,000 for their victories. The renaming to ANA Inspiration in 2015 coincided with another boost in prize money, increasing the purse to $2.5 million and raising the champion's share to $375,000. Over the following years, these figures continued to rise.

By 2022, the purse had surged to $5 million, with Jennifer Kupcho earning $750,000 for her triumph. Last year saw another increase, bringing the total purse to $5.1 million and awarding Lilia Vu $765,000. For the 2024 edition, the tournament set a new record with a purse of $7.9 million. Nelly Korda emerged victorious, claiming the largest-ever prize in the tournament's history: $1.2 million.

The growth of the Chevron Championship underscores the increasing recognition and support for women's professional golf. With prize money reaching unprecedented levels, the tournament not only honors past champions but also inspires future generations. As the sport continues to evolve, the Chevron Championship remains at the forefront, setting standards and redefining what is possible in women's golf competitions. This remarkable journey through the decades demonstrates the enduring appeal and significance of one of golf's premier events.