TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts
Venue and Course Conditions
The third edition of the FM Championship takes place at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts (approximately 25 miles south of Boston). Originally designed by Arnold Palmer (opened 2002) and redesigned by Gil Hanse and Brad Faxon in 2007, the course is a modern parkland layout featuring natural terrain, woodlands, wetlands, and strategic bunkering. For the LPGA it plays as a par-72 measuring roughly 6,533–6,598 yards. The setup rewards strong approach play, smart decisions on the par-5s, confident putting on large, tournament-prepared greens, and the ability to manage late-round pressure.
Key scoring opportunities exist on the par-5s (including risk-reward options), while several demanding par-3s and tighter driving holes test accuracy. The course has a strong professional pedigree, having previously hosted multiple PGA Tour events (Deutsche Bank Championship, Dell Technologies Championship, Northern Trust). Conditions are expected to be well-maintained championship standard, with greens firm enough to reward precise iron play.
Starting Date, Times and Format
Dates: Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Format: 72-hole stroke play with a 36-hole cut (top players and ties advance).
Purse: $4.4 million (one of the larger non-major purses on the LPGA schedule); winner receives approximately $615,000–$660,000 and 500 Race to CME Globe points.
Field: 144 players.
Schedule highlights:
Practice rounds and qualifier earlier in the week; Official Pro-Am on Wednesday, August 26.
Round 1 (Thursday): Morning wave starts ~7:00 a.m. ET (1st & 10th tees); afternoon wave ~12:15 p.m.
Similar split tees for Friday Round 2.
Weekend rounds from a single tee.
Golf Channel provides live coverage throughout the week, with additional streaming options. Admissions open early each day; fan amenities include the LPGA Lesson Zone, hospitality areas, and family-friendly activities.
Weather Conditions
Late-August New England weather is typically pleasant for golf:
Thursday (Round 1): Partly sunny, highs near 80–84°F (27–29°C), light south winds, low rain chance.
Friday: Partly sunny with a 30–40% chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms, highs in the low 80s°F.
Saturday–Sunday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, highs around 78–82°F, lower precipitation chances, and comfortable conditions overall.
Humidity may be moderate. Early-round fog is possible, but the overall forecast supports uninterrupted play with only minor storm risk on Friday.
Player Field, Matchups and Recent Forms
The field is exceptionally strong, featuring 23 of the top 25 players in the world rankings and 13 of the 14 LPGA winners from the 2026 season so far. Key headliners:
Nelly Korda (world No. 1): Dominant season with four wins (including two majors) and 10 top-10s in 14 starts. She enters as the clear favorite and is closing in on Annika Sörenstam’s career LPGA earnings record.
Jeeno Thitikul (world No. 2): Consistent elite performer and 2025 runner-up here; multiple 2026 wins.
Haeran Ryu (world No. 3 / inaugural 2024 champion): Proven winner at TPC Boston.
Miranda Wang (defending champion): Captured her first LPGA title in 2025 with a 20-under total, holding off Thitikul by one shot with clutch late-hole play.
Other strong contenders: Miyu Yamashita, Minjee Lee, Rio Takeda, Sei Young Kim, Hyo Joo Kim, Charley Hull, Lottie Woad, Hannah Green, Brooke Henderson, Gaby López, Andrea Lee, Celine Boutier, and local favorite Megan Khang.
Many 2026 winners and Solheim Cup contenders (including a large contingent of U.S. team members) are present. The combination of proven TPC Boston performers (Ryu, Wang) and current form leaders (Korda, Thitikul) sets up compelling head-to-head battles, particularly on the scoring holes and under Sunday pressure.
Tournament History
The FM Championship debuted in 2024, restoring a regular LPGA presence in the Boston/New England area after a nearly three-decade absence.
2024: Haeran Ryu won the inaugural event in a playoff over Jin Young Ko at 15-under.
2025: Miranda Wang claimed her maiden LPGA title at 20-under, edging Jeeno Thitikul by one stroke.
TPC Boston’s PGA Tour history adds prestige, with past winners including major champions and stars such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy in earlier events at the venue. The FM Championship has quickly established itself as a high-profile late-summer stop with a growing purse and strong fields.
Betting Trends and Outlook
Nelly Korda is the heavy favorite (often listed around 8/1). Other short-priced contenders typically include Jeeno Thitikul and Miyu Yamashita (near 9/1), Haeran Ryu (~12/1), followed by Sei Young Kim, Charley Hull, Ruoning Yin, Hyo Joo Kim, Brooke Henderson, and Lottie Woad in the 20/1–35/1 range. Trends favor elite ball-strikers with strong approach games and putting under pressure—attributes that suit TPC Boston’s demands on the par-5s and protected greens.
Defending champion Miranda Wang and course winner Haeran Ryu offer solid value based on venue familiarity. The deep, high-quality field creates opportunities for mid-range contenders and sleepers who gain strokes on approach or capitalize on scoring stretches. Public money tends to heavily back Korda; value often appears slightly further down the board on in-form players with recent top finishes.
Overall preview:
The 2026 FM Championship features one of the strongest non-major fields of the LPGA season at a proven championship venue. With Korda in peak form, Thitikul and Ryu as proven threats, and Wang defending her title, expect high-level scoring and dramatic finishes. Pleasant weather should allow the best players to showcase their games on a course that rewards precision and smart aggression. This late-summer stop serves as an important Race to CME Globe points opportunity and a key tune-up ahead of the Solheim Cup.
