NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — What the LPGA Tour sees as a strength might be what keeps it from gaining more traction during this surge in women’s sports.

Yes, there is a depth of talent — more power, greater precision, lower scoring.

That much was on display Monday night during the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship when 11 first-time LPGA winners graced the stage at a glitzy awards dinner. Two of them, Mao Saigo and Miyuu Yamashita, are major champions.

They are among 29 winners in 30 tournaments (including a team event in Michigan) in a most unusual year. It took until October — the 26th official tournament of the season — before the LPGA had a multiple winner in Jeeno Thitikul, the world’s No. 1 player.

Equally amazing, Nelly Korda is not among the winners after seven titles in 2024.

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