This week on The Birdie Briefing, Marie recaps a record-setting win in Hawaii, surprising lineup changes ahead of the International Crown, fresh faces earning their LPGA cards, and a beloved veteran stepping into a new chapter off the course.

In Hawaii, 22-year-old Youmin Hwang made history at the Lotte Championship, firing a ten-under round and finishing with five birdies in her final six holes to become the 26th unique LPGA winner in just 25 events this season. Marie breaks down how Hwang’s sponsor-exemption win fits into the growing parity across women’s golf—and why Golf Channel’s coverage might have set a new standard for the tour.

Then, Marie dives into the latest International Crown shake-ups as Nelly Korda and Patty Tavatanakit step back due to injuries, opening spots for Yealimi Noh and Pajaree Anannarukarn.

She also celebrates the 15 new Epson Tour graduates heading to the LPGA in 2026 and shares heart-warming news as Pernilla Lindberg announces she’s expecting her first child. It’s a week of breakthroughs, balance, and big transitions as the LPGA heads to Shanghai to kick off the fall swing. 

🎙️ Listen to the full episode anywhere you get your podcasts, and find more women’s-golf coverage at birdiebriefing.com.

This week on Birdie Buzz, Marie recaps the week in women’s golf—from canceled tournaments that turned into community wins to big conversations about the future of the LPGA. 

First, we close out coverage of the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship, where rain canceled play but Walmart and the LPGA still delivered a $2 million payout to players and 8,000 donated meals to the local community.

Then, LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler makes headlines with yet another Venn diagram—this time adding a third circle and promising to “work ruthlessly” to create global superstars. Marie breaks down what that means, and who might get left out.

We also hear from Lexi Thompson, who opened up about stepping back for her mental health, reflecting on the grind of the tour, her earnings this season, and what it says about the financial realities of professional women’s golf.

Finally, Michelle Wie West proves she’s still one of the game’s strongest voices, calling out slow play, questioning rules, and sharing her daughter’s budding love for golf.

From payouts and policies to retirements and rule changes, Birdie Buzz brings you the front page snapshot of women’s golf you won’t find anywhere else.

This week’s Birdie Buzz is packed with storylines both on and off the course.

The Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship was washed out after torrential rains, leaving the tournament unofficial at just 18 holes—but not before Lilia Vu flashed signs of her comeback, and Muni “Lily” He impressed with her best round since 2023 under the guidance of a new caddie.

LPGA legend Stacy Lewis announced her retirement, bringing her career full circle in Arkansas where she earned her first unofficial win in 2007. Beyond her 13 titles and two majors, Lewis leaves a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship growth for the tour.

Elsewhere, Craig Kessler secured Fortinet as the new Founders Cup sponsor, ensuring the event’s future with a $3M purse in Northern California.

Alison Lee returned to competition just months after an emergency C-section, showing resilience as she balances motherhood with her career.

And of course, Charley Hull made headlines once again—this time at Windsor Castle, with hints of a golf game to come alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump.

From storm-shortened leaderboards to milestone retirements and fresh sponsorships, this week showcased the unpredictability and personality that makes women’s golf compelling.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie previews the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship, the 19th edition of the event at Pinnacle Country Club. This 54-hole, three-day tournament features a $3 million purse with $450,000 going to the winner—one of the larger paydays on tour for a short event. Last year’s champion Jasmine Suwannapura took the title at -17, setting the stage for another week of low scoring—though possible rain could shift the dynamic.

While world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul is sitting out ahead of the grueling Asian swing, plenty of big names are in the field. Past champions like Nasa Hataoka, Haeran Ryu, and Stacey Lewis return, alongside Rolex Top 25 players Nelly Korda, Maja Stark, Mao Saigo, and Jin Young Ko. Rising stars and recent winners such as Lottie Woad, Grace Kim, and Chisato Iwai add even more intrigue.

Fans attending in person will find one of the most affordable tickets on tour—just $10 per day or $25 for the week—along with fun upgrades like the local “Bite Experience” and the lively Gatorade Loudest Hole at 17. For viewers at home, coverage will be split between Golf Channel and Peacock across all three days.

With 25 different winners already this season, the big question looms: will someone finally become a repeat champion, or will we crown the 26th unique winner of 2025? Tune in for what promises to be a dramatic and entertaining week in Arkansas.

In this debut edition of The Birdie Buzz, Marie delivers the week’s biggest LPGA headlines in one quick listen.

First up: Charley Hull breaks through in Cincinnati at the Kroger Queen City Championship, winning her first LPGA title in three years after battling a tough season of injuries. The dramatic finish came as World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul stumbled with a shocking four-putt on the final day, making Hull’s gritty win one of the stories of the season.

Next, Marie breaks down the heated Rookie of the Year race led by Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, whose fifth straight top-10 finish gives her an edge over fellow Japanese standouts Rio Takeda and Chisato Iwai. With eight events left, the race is far from over, but Yamashita’s consistency and poise make her the front-runner.

The episode also spotlights the newest Epson Tour graduates headed to the LPGA—including 19-year-old Yana Wilson, Japan’s Erika Hana, and Duke alum Gina Kim—showcasing the fresh wave of talent set to join the tour.

Finally, Marie shares candid reflections on Commissioner Craig Kessler’s first players’ meeting. While Kessler promised to build trust and refine scheduling, his remarks about women needing to be “more compelling” raised concerns about the LPGA’s media strategy and fan engagement. Marie doesn’t hold back in her critique, stressing that the women are already interesting—it’s the platform that needs to catch up.

Stay tuned every week for The Birdie Buzz—your quick front-page snapshot of everything happening in women’s golf.

This week on The Birdie Briefing, Marie takes us inside the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, one of only eight tournaments left before the CME Tour Championship. Hosted at TPC River’s Bend in Cincinnati, this $2 million event brings together one of the strongest fields we’ve seen all season. Defending champion Lydia Ko returns after her record-setting -23 victory last year, while Rolex World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul looks to turn her string of top-10 finishes into another win. Nelly Korda is still searching for her first victory of the year, and past champions like Minjee Lee, Miyu Yamashita, Mao Saigo, and Hyo Joo Kim add even more firepower to the lineup. In fact, 21 of this season’s 24 winners are in the field, along with 20 of the Rolex Top 25. Rising rookies like Miranda Wang, Lottie Woad, and the Iwai sisters add fresh intrigue to the mix. Marie also shares ticket info, fan perks, and what to expect from this Arnold Palmer-designed course as the tour heads into its fall stretch.

Round one of the FM Championship delivered plenty of excitement with three players sharing the lead at seven-under par. Sei Young Kim, a 12-time LPGA winner and 2020 major champion, is looking to break her winless streak, while England’s Jodi Ewart-Shadoff surged with eight birdies for a share of the top spot. Joining them is American Allisen Corpuz, who bounced back in style after several missed cuts, reminding everyone of the form that earned her a podium finish earlier this season. Just one stroke back, rookie Miranda Wang impressed with nine birdies, the most of the day, offset by three bogeys. A deep pack sits at five-under, including Andrea Lee, Nelly Korda, Minjee Lee, Celine Boutier, Madison Young, Emily Kristine Pedersen, and Weiwei Zhang. With so many big names already near the top, the stage is set for a thrilling battle heading into round two.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie previews the LPGA’s next stop: the FM Championship at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts. Now in just its second year, the tournament is already making a big impression with a record-setting $4.1 million purse—the largest outside of the majors—offering $615,000 to the winner. Marie highlights the unique player perks that set this event apart: free accommodations, flight vouchers, laundry credits, meals, and even a $1,000 stipend for those who miss the cut—rare benefits on the LPGA Tour. She also draws parallels to other player-focused tournaments like Black Desert, praising FM for creating a stop that players want to attend. The field is stacked, with 21 of this season’s 23 winners competing, including Brooke Henderson, Jeeno Thitikul, Minjee Lee, Maja Stark, Grace Kim, and defending champion Haeran Ryu. Notably absent are Lydia Ko and Hyo Joo Kim. Big names like Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, Hannah Green, and Celine Boutier will also tee it up, alongside rising talents Gurleen Kaur, Amelie Salzman, and Megha Ganne. Marie also shares some fun off-course notes, from the tournament’s Instagram stunts with the Patriots mascot to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s remarks about the growth of women’s sports. She wraps up with practical details for fans: ticket prices (including free admission for kids and veterans) and how to watch live—via ESPN+ featured groups or daily Golf Channel coverage. With a huge purse, player-first treatment, and nearly every top LPGA name in attendance, the FM Championship promises to be one of the year’s most exciting tournaments.

On day four of the CPKC Women’s Open, Brooke Henderson gave Canadian fans the finish they dreamed of—clinching her second national title and her first win since 2023. Henderson’s victory felt destined, as she described it, and it vaulted her from 53rd to 26th in the CME Race to the Globe standings. The final round was a nail-biter, with Minjee Lee just one stroke back until the very last hole, and Mao Saigo charging into solo third with a five-under round. Rising star Akie Iwai secured solo fourth, while Manon De Roey and Lydia Ko shared fifth. The top ten rounded out with Jeeno Thitikul, Megan Khang, Gaby Lopez, and a five-way tie at tenth including Nelly Korda and Sei Young Kim. It was a showcase of world-class talent, passionate Canadian crowds, and the enduring importance of this event on the LPGA Tour.

Round three of the Canadian Women’s Open delivered all the drama of moving day. Brooke Henderson thrilled the home crowd by shooting a 65, highlighted by a spectacular bunker eagle on 17, to tie for the lead at -11. Sharing the top spot is Minjee Lee, who put together a 66 with two eagles and looks poised for another big win. Behind them, Jeeno Thitikul and Akie Iwai sit three shots back at -8, keeping the chase alive. JLee5 and Yu Liu surged into contention at -7, while a strong group at -6—including Grace Kim, Mao Saigo, 15-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng, and Manon De Roey—rounds out a stacked leaderboard. With network TV coverage on CBS for the final day, fans are set for an exciting finish.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie recaps round two of the CPKC Women’s Open. Akie Iwai continues her dominant run, holding solo first at -9 with a three-shot lead heading into the weekend. Chasing her in second are Minjee Lee, Leona Maguire, and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul at -6. Brooke Henderson thrilled the home crowd with the low round of the day (-5), climbing into a tie for fifth alongside Megan Khang, Jenny Bae, and Linnea Strum. The field remains tightly packed with big names like Nelly Korda, Ariya Jutanugarn, Gaby Lopez, and Minami Katsu lurking just a few shots back. While Akie has the edge, the course isn’t giving up low scores easily—meaning it’s still anyone’s tournament going into moving day. Marie also runs through the cut line, notable players who missed the weekend, and broadcast details for round three.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie recaps round one of the Canadian Women’s Open. Fresh off her Portland Classic win, rookie Akie Iwai stormed into solo first with a 7-under 64. Just behind her, five players sit tied at -5, including World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, rising amateur star Aphrodite Deng (just 15 years old), past champion Megan Khang, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, and Ireland’s Leona McGuire. Other highlights include Jo Soo Bin’s eagle-fueled -4 performance and a strong pack tied at -3 featuring Jenny Bae, Ariya Jutanugarn, Jeongeun Lee5, Peiyun Chien, and Mao Saigo. Big names like Nelly Korda, Minjee Lee, and Rose Zhang remain in striking distance at -2, while Brooke Henderson and others fight to climb from even par. Marie breaks down the leaderboard, standout performances, and early storylines to watch as the tournament heads toward the weekend.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie previews the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open—the LPGA Tour’s lone stop in Canada. She breaks down everything you need to know: the $2.75 million purse, the Mississauga Golf & Country Club course setup, and the perfect forecast for the week. The field is stacked: nearly every top-25 CME player is in action, along with eight past champions, including Brooke Henderson, Jin Young Ko, Lydia Ko, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Megan Khang. Marie also highlights this season’s first-time winners, standout Japanese and Korean players, and big names like Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul, both hungry to make a statement. You’ll also hear details on tickets, special fan experiences, and how to watch from home across Golf Channel, NBC Sports, and CBS. Whether you’re attending in Toronto or tuning in from afar, Marie has you ready for an exciting weeks on the LPGA calendar.

In this final recap of the 2025 Portland Classic, Marie from The Birdie Briefing breaks down Akie Iwai’s dominant wire-to-wire victory at -24, making her the sixth rookie to win on the LPGA this season. She highlights Gurleen Kaur’s breakout runner-up finish, sister Chisato Iwai’s charge into a tie for third alongside Linn Grant, and strong showings from Grace Kim, Aditi Ashok, and others. Plus, the feel-good comeback of former World No. 1 Sung Hyun Park and an impressive amateur performance from Kiara Romero.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie breaks down a thrilling Round 3 of the Portland Classic. The spotlight shines on rookie Akie Iwai, who surged into solo first with a dazzling 64—the lowest score of the tournament so far—fueled by an eagle, seven birdies, and a remarkable recovery on 12. Chasing her is Australia’s Grace Kim, just two shots back after a magical eagle on 17, while Sweden’s Linn Grant holds solo third with a strong 14-under.

Marie also highlights rising stories across the leaderboard: Gurleen Kaur’s inspiring run into fourth, Gina Kim’s bogey-free charge, and Aditi Ashok’s climb into the top five. We get drama and flair from Rio Takeda, Haeran Ryu (with a hole-in-one at the Toyota challenge!), and Akie’s twin sister Chisato—all tied in seventh alongside veteran Lauren Coughlin.

Rounding out the day, Marie updates us on fan favorites: JLee5 and Brooke Henderson slipping back but still within striking distance, and Rose Zhang keeping the excitement alive with an eagle of her own. With Sunday’s final round looming and coverage on Golf Channel from 3–6 p.m. CT, the stage is set for a nail-biting finish in Portland.

In this Birdie Briefing, Marie recaps all the action from Round 2 of the 2025 Portland Classic. Jeongeun Lee5 climbs into solo first at -12, with Grace Kim and Gurleen Kaur close behind at -11. Rising rookie Akie Iwai, Ashleigh Buhai, and Pajaree Anannarukarn headline a packed chase group at -10, while a deep field at -9 keeps the leaderboard tight heading into moving day. Marie spotlights Grace Kim’s tutu bet payoff, Amelia Lewis’ surprise surge, and Rose Zhang’s inspiring return to form. She also celebrates amateur standout Kiara Romero and reflects on LPGA legend Juli Inkster — a true icon whose presence continues to inspire, even as she just missed the cut this week. With two rounds left, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend in Portland.

Join Marie from The Birdie Briefing as she recaps the thrilling first day of the 2025 Portland Classic. Discover the unexpected rise of French rookie Adela Cernousek, who leads the pack, and meet the diverse group of talented players tied for second place. From Brooke Henderson's strong performance to Caroline Masson's incredible hole-in-one, this episode is packed with exciting highlights and insights into the world of women's golf.

In this episode of The Birdie Briefing, Marie tees up everything you need to know about the Portland Classic — the longest-running LPGA event outside the majors — in just 15 minutes. She dives into the tournament’s rich history, gives you the scoop on the Columbia Edgewater course, shares the latest weather outlook, and breaks down the purse. You’ll hear about past champions who’ve made their mark, rising stars to keep an eye on, and the current standings shaping the leaderboard. Marie also spotlights special guests, talented amateurs, and community programs adding extra buzz to the week. Finally, she lets you know how to watch and invites you to tune in for her daily tournament recaps.  

Chapters  
00:00 Introduction to the Birdie Briefing Podcast
06:48 Emerging Talents and Current Season Highlights
13:01 Tournament Details and Viewing Options

Welcome to The Birdie Briefing, your new front page for women’s golf.

In this teaser episode, host Marie shares how she went from thinking golf was “a little dull” to becoming completely hooked on the LPGA. She explains why the sport’s deliberate pace is part of its magic, why these players are among the most intense and inspiring athletes in the world, and how The Birdie Briefing is built to fit your life—whether you watch every round or just want the highlights. Discover the podcast, website, playlists, tournament-themed cocktails, and community designed to celebrate women’s golf without the clichés. If it matters in the LPGA, you’ll hear it here.