The 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro is set to be one of the most exciting stops on the LPGA Tour calendar, bringing together many of the world’s best players to compete at El Caballero Country Club.
With a record $4.75 million purse, a strong international field, and its place as the final event before the first major of the season, this tournament carries more significance than ever.
Whether you are looking for the full field, tee times, prize money breakdown, or how to watch the action live, this guide covers everything you need to know in one place. Keep reading for a complete breakdown of what to expect and how to follow every moment from Los Angeles.
What Is the JM Eagle LA Championship Pres. by Plastpro?
The JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro is a full-field LPGA Tour event held every year in the Los Angeles area. Players compete over 72 holes of stroke play, with the field cut to the top 65 and ties after two rounds.
Now in its fourth year, the tournament has become one of the most important non-major stops on the LPGA schedule. JM Eagle, the world’s leading U.S. plastic pipe manufacturer, and Plastpro, the world’s first fully automated fiberglass door manufacturer, jointly run the event.
Both sponsors have raised the prize money every single year since taking over, and their impact on women’s golf has been felt across the entire tour.
Key Facts About the JM Eagle LA Championship 2026
- LPGA Tour event, 4th year under JM Eagle and Plastpro sponsorship
- Dates: April 16-19, 2026
- Venue: El Caballero Country Club, Tarzana, California
- Format: 72-hole stroke play
- Field size: 144 players
- Cut: Top 65 and ties after 36 holes
- Total purse: $4.75 million, raised mid-tournament live on Golf Channel
- Winner’s share: $712,500
- Winner earns 500 Race to the CME Globe points
- Winner receives a two-year LPGA Tour exemption
- TV broadcast: Golf Channel, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST daily
- Field includes 15 of the top 25 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings
- Free admission for military, first responders, children under 18, and LA wildfire-affected families
History of the JM Eagle LA Championship
The LPGA Tour has held events in the Los Angeles area for decades. The modern version of this tournament launched in 2023 at Wilshire Country Club in Hollywood, when JM Eagle and Plastpro took over the sponsorship. In their very first year, they doubled the purse from $1.5 million to $3 million. That made it the first regular-season LPGA Tour event outside the majors and CME Group Tour Championship to hit that level.
Other events took notice fast. By 2024, eleven non-major LPGA tournaments featured purses of $3 million or more, up from just five the year before. One bold decision reshaped the financial landscape of women’s golf.
The event moved to El Caballero Country Club in 2025 while Wilshire Country Club underwent a major renovation.
Notable Milestones Include:
- 2023: JM Eagle and Plastpro double the purse to $3 million. Hannah Green wins the inaugural edition under the new banner.
- 2024: The purse rises to $3.75 million, the largest non-major prize outside the CME. Hannah Green wins back-to-back.
- 2025: Ingrid Lindblad wins in just her third LPGA Tour start as a professional. The event moves to El Caballero.
- 2026: Sponsors raise the purse mid-tournament by $1 million to $4.75 million, live on Golf Channel. The winner earns $712,500.
What Makes the JM Eagle LA Championship Unique?
There are a few things that set this tournament apart from almost everything else on the LPGA Tour schedule.
- Fastest-growing purse on tour: No non-major LPGA event has raised its prize money as aggressively or as quickly in recent memory.
- Live purse announcement: Walter Wang announced the $1 million mid-tournament increase live on Golf Channel during Saturday’s third round. That kind of moment simply does not happen anywhere else.
- Los Angeles market: The tournament brings elite women’s golf to one of the biggest sports markets in the world.
- Deep international field: The 2026 field includes 15 of the top 25 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and 24 major champions.
- Junior Golf Day: Saturday brings thousands of young fans to El Caballero with free admission and on-course activities.
- Last stop before the first major: This is the final LPGA event before the Chevron Championship. Winning here is a real confidence boost heading into major season.
- Community programs: Free admission for military families, first responders, and LA wildfire victims shows the tournament cares about more than just golf.
When and Where Does the 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship Take Place?
The 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro takes place April 16-19 at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California.
The course sits in the San Fernando Valley, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. It is the 8th event on the 2026 LPGA Tour schedule and the last stop before the Chevron Championship, the first major of the women’s golf year.
Course Details: El Caballero Country Club
El Caballero Country Club is a private 18-hole golf course in Tarzana, California. The fairways are tight and tree-lined, the greens are large and fast, and water comes into play multiple times throughout the round.
Robert Trent Jones Sr. originally designed the layout. In 2021, Rees Jones and Steve Weisser completed a $10 million renovation, rebuilding every green and bunker and installing new drought-tolerant Bermuda fairways.
The club has history with the LPGA Tour too. El Caballero hosted three LPGA events between 2002 and 2004, with Hall-of-Famers Seri Pak and Annika Sorenstam both winning here. In 2024, the club also hosted the 75th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
Course Layout and Conditions
This is not an easy course. Here is what players are dealing with all week at El Caballero:
- Par 71
- 6,830 yards from the back tees, 5,903 yards from the forward tees
- Tight, tree-lined Bermuda grass fairways
- Large, fast greens that are notoriously tricky to read
- Water hazards in play on multiple holes
- Toughest hole: No. 2, a 434-yard par-4 and the No. 1 handicap hole
- Longest hole: No. 12, a par-5 at 528 yards
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr., renovated by Rees Jones and Steve Weisser in 2021
Birdies are available on the par-5s and shorter par-4s. But miss a fairway on the tight driving holes and you are in trouble fast. Patience and precision win at El Caballero.
JM Eagle LA Championship Tournament Format
The JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro is a 72-hole stroke play event. Every shot counts toward a player’s total across all four rounds. The lowest score at the end of Sunday wins.
Tournament Format Breakdown
| Detail | Information |
| Format | Stroke play |
| Total Rounds | 4 |
| Total Holes | 72 |
| Field Size | 144 players |
| Cut Rule | Top 65 and ties after 36 holes |
| Winner | Lowest cumulative 72-hole score |
| Playoff Format | Sudden-death if tied after 72 holes |
| Official Tour Status | LPGA Tour event, ranking points awarded |
Round Format Breakdown
Round 1 (Thursday): The championship gets underway. Players aim for a strong opening score and an early position on the leaderboard at El Caballero.
Round 2 (Friday): Cut day. Players outside the top 65 and ties do not play the weekend. Friday afternoon gets tense.
Round 3 (Saturday): Moving day, and Junior Golf Day. The leaderboard shifts and thousands of young fans fill El Caballero. Expect scoring movement.
Round 4 (Sunday): The champion is decided. Lowest 72-hole total wins the trophy and the $712,500. The ceremony takes place at the 18th green right after the final putt.
JM Eagle LA Championship Rules
The tournament follows the official Rules of Golf set by the USGA and R&A, alongside LPGA Tour competition regulations. Here is what you need to know:
- The event is played over 72 holes of stroke play
- Every shot counts toward the player’s total
- All players follow official Rules of Golf and LPGA Tour regulations
- The cut falls after 36 holes to the top 65 and ties
- Players must use equipment meeting LPGA Tour standards
- Pace-of-play rules apply across all four rounds
- Electronic scoring runs alongside official scorecard verification
- Tournament officials have final authority on all competition decisions
For Ties and Playoffs
If two or more players tie after 72 holes, the championship goes to sudden-death. Players compete hole by hole until someone posts a lower score. The playoff starts at 18 and moves to other holes if needed. There are no shared first-place finishes here.
For Weather Delays
Weather can affect play at El Caballero. Here is how it is handled:
- Play stops immediately for lightning, heavy rain, or unsafe conditions
- Officials resume play the same day when it is safe to do so
- Extended delays carry rounds into the following morning if necessary
- All scheduling and suspension decisions are made by LPGA Tour officials on site
JM Eagle LA Championship Schedule and Tee Times 2026
The tournament week includes pro-am activity before the four competition rounds run Thursday through Sunday. Golf Channel picks up live coverage every afternoon from 3:00 PM PST.
Full Tournament Schedule
Thursday, April 16: Round 1
| Event | Time (PST) |
| Admission Gates Open | 7:00 AM |
| Tee Times (two-tee start, groups of three) | Morning and afternoon waves |
| Hospitality Open | 10:30 AM to end of play |
| Golf Channel Live Broadcast | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Friday, April 17: Round 2 (Cut Day)
| Event | Time (PST) |
| Admission Gates Open | 7:00 AM |
| Morning Tee Times | 7:15 AM to 9:16 AM |
| Afternoon Tee Times | 12:15 PM to 2:16 PM |
| Hospitality Open | 10:30 AM to end of play |
| Golf Channel Live Broadcast | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Saturday, April 18: Round 3 (Junior Golf Day)
| Event | Time (PST) |
| Admission Gates Open | 7:30 AM |
| Tee Times (single tee, groups of two) | 8:35 AM to 1:50 PM |
| Junior Golf Day Activities | All day |
| Hospitality Open | 10:30 AM to end of play |
| Golf Channel Live Broadcast | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Sunday, April 19: Final Round
| Event | Time (PST) |
| Admission Gates Open | 8:00 AM |
| Tee Times | 8:35 AM to 1:50 PM |
| Hospitality Open | 10:30 AM to end of play |
| Golf Channel Live Broadcast | 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Trophy Ceremony | Immediately after play at the 18th green |
For the full official schedule, visit JM Eagle LA Championship official website.
When Are Tee Times Announced?
- Rounds 1 and 2: Released at the start of tournament week, usually Tuesday or Wednesday
- Round 3: Published after Friday’s cut is confirmed
- Round 4: Confirmed once Saturday’s round is complete
Where to Find the Latest Tee Times
- Official LPGA Tour website at lpga.com
- Tournament website at jmeaglelachampionship.com
- Live leaderboard platforms and Golf Channel broadcast coverage
How Players Qualify for the JM Eagle LA Championship in 2026
Entry into the JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro follows the standard LPGA Tour eligibility system. Players earn their place through tour membership, world ranking, past performance, and sponsor selections.
Qualification Criteria
Players get into the field through several routes:
- Full LPGA Tour membership and playing privileges
- Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings position
- Past LPGA Tour victories within the eligibility window
- Sponsor exemptions awarded by tournament officials
- Invitations for top-ranked junior golfers
- Special international invitations for eligible players
The 2026 field includes sponsor invitations for Asterisk Talley, the top-ranked junior in the AJGA rankings, and Aphrodite Deng, ranked second. Both players show exactly what this tournament is about. The best professionals in the world competing alongside the next generation coming up.
Overview of the 2026 Player Field
The 2026 field features 144 of the world’s best female professional golfers. Fifteen of the top 25 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings are in the field at El Caballero, along with 24 major champions.
Top Players in the Field
Here are the biggest names competing:
- Hyo Joo Kim (World No. 3)
- Minjee Lee (World No. 5, 2019 champion at Wilshire Country Club)
- Miyu Yamashita (World No. 6, 2025 AIG Women’s Open champion)
- Hannah Green (World No. 8, two-time JM Eagle LA Championship winner)
- Lottie Woad (World No. 9)
- Sei Young Kim (World No. 10)
- Ruoning Yin (World No. 11)
- Lauren Coughlin (World No. 12, Aramco Championship winner the week prior)
- Haeran Ryu (World No. 13)
- Brooke Henderson (former World No. 1, 2021 champion)
- Anna Nordqvist (European Solheim Cup captain)
Rising Players and Contenders
Asterisk Talley is competing here just two weeks after the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Lauren Coughlin arrives off a win at the Aramco Championship the previous week. Both carry serious momentum and will attract plenty of attention from galleries at El Caballero all week.
Important note: The field can change due to late withdrawals and injuries. Always check lpga.com for the most current confirmed entries.
Defending Champion and Past Winners
Hannah Green is the most decorated champion in the JM Eagle era of this tournament. She won back-to-back in 2023 and 2024 at Wilshire Country Club. Then in 2025, Ingrid Lindblad took the title in just her third start as an LPGA Tour professional. That debut win was one of the most talked-about moments of last season.
| Year | Champion | Venue |
| 2025 | Ingrid Lindblad | El Caballero Country Club |
| 2024 | Hannah Green | Wilshire Country Club |
| 2023 | Hannah Green | Wilshire Country Club |
| 2021 | Brooke Henderson | Wilshire Country Club |
Green returns ranked World No. 8 and in strong form. A third title would make her the defining champion of this event. Lindblad’s 2025 win was a fairytale debut that is still talked about across the tour.
Prize Money for the JM Eagle LA Championship 2026
JM Eagle CEO Walter Wang announced a $1 million purse increase live on Golf Channel, pushing the total to $4.75 million. The winner earns $712,500. That makes this the largest non-major prize on the LPGA Tour outside the CME Group Tour Championship.
Total Purse and Winner’s Share
| Year | Total Purse | Winner’s Share | Key Change |
| Pre-2023 | $1.5 million | N/A | Before JM Eagle sponsorship |
| 2023 | $3.0 million | ~$450,000 | Purse doubled under new sponsors |
| 2024 | $3.75 million | $562,500 | Largest non-major outside CME |
| 2025 | $3.75 million | $562,500 | Maintained at same level |
| 2026 | $4.75 million | $712,500 | Raised $1M live on Golf Channel |
2026 Estimated Prize Money Payout
| Position | Estimated 2026 Payout |
| 1st (Winner) | $712,500 (confirmed) |
| 2nd | ~$448,000 |
| 3rd | ~$325,000 |
| 4th | ~$251,000 |
| 5th | ~$202,000 |
| 10th | ~$99,000 |
| 20th | ~$56,000 |
| Made Cut | Guaranteed payout |
All positions below first are estimates based on 2024 LPGA distribution percentages applied to the $4.75 million purse. Official payouts are confirmed after the final round.
Why the Prize Money Matters
When JM Eagle and Plastpro took over in 2023, they doubled the purse from $1.5 million to $3 million in one move. By 2024, eleven LPGA non-major events had purses of $3 million or more, up from just five in 2023. That is the direct ripple effect of what this tournament started.
Points, Exemptions, and Competitive Rewards
Winning here is about much more than just the check. The full package for the 2026 champion includes:
- $712,500 in prize money
- 500 Race to the CME Globe points
- A two-year LPGA Tour exemption
- Entry berths into select major championships
- A path toward the $4 million CME Group Tour Championship first prize
Additional Long-Term Impacts
- Career momentum: Winning the week before the Chevron Championship puts a player in the best possible mindset heading into major season.
- World ranking boost: A top finish here moves players up significantly in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
- Financial security: The prize fund supports long-term career stability at every level of the leaderboard.
- Global exposure: Winning in Los Angeles delivers media attention and sponsorship opportunities.
Important note: Prize money figures may be officially updated during or after the final round.
How to Watch and Attend the 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship
You can follow the 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro by attending in person at El Caballero or watching through official TV and streaming coverage.
Golf Channel broadcasts all four rounds live, Thursday through Sunday, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET. That is 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST for West Coast viewers.
Broadcast Schedule and Coverage Details
| Day | Round | Network | Time (ET) |
| Thursday, April 16 | Round 1 | Golf Channel Live | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Friday, April 17 | Round 2 | Golf Channel Live | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Saturday, April 18 | Round 3 | Golf Channel Live | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Sunday, April 19 | Final Round | Golf Channel Live | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Streaming Options
No cable? No problem. You can still watch every round through these platforms:
- Peacock (NBCUniversal streaming service)
- Fubo TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
- Golf Channel app (requires cable or streaming TV authentication)
- SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, channel 92 for radio listeners
Morning play does not air on TV. Follow early groups all day through the live scoring platform at lpga.com.
Ticket Information and On-Site Access
Tickets are available exclusively at JM Eagle LA Championship official website. All tickets are digital and scannable from a mobile device at the main gate.
| Ticket Type | Access | Notes |
| Daily Grounds Pass | Single-day general admission | Available for each competition round |
| Weekly Grounds Pass | All four competition rounds | Best value for full-week fans |
| Champions Club Hospitality | Premium access with hospitality facilities | Upgraded experience |
Special admission programs in 2026 include:
- Children under 18: Free admission with a paying adult
- Military and first responders: All active, reserved, retired, and veteran military members plus first responders receive free admission for up to four family members, sponsored by SERVPRO
- LA wildfire victims: Residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires receive up to four complimentary tickets per family with proper ID and proof of zip code
Additional On-Site Information
- Junior Golf Day (Saturday): The first 1,000 junior attendees get a free Junior Golf Day shirt. Golf clinics and activities run all morning.
- Bleachers: Available at the first tee and 18th green for the best views on the course.
- Bags: No backpacks or large bags. Standard-sized purses are fine.
- Food: No outside food or beverages allowed inside the grounds.
- Phones: Permitted but must stay on silent mode throughout all competition rounds.
Key Storylines to Watch at the JM Eagle LA Championship 2026
This tournament is heading into Sunday with some serious drama. Here are the stories worth following at El Caballero:
- Sei Young Kim leads by two entering Sunday. She is the player to beat in the final round.
- Hannah Green hunting a third title. Green won here in 2023 and 2024. A third title would make her the tournament’s defining champion.
- Lauren Coughlin going back-to-back. She won the Aramco Championship. Winning consecutive LPGA events would make her the hottest player on tour right now.
- Asterisk Talley on the big stage. The teenage sponsor exemption has drawn attention all week. Sunday will be her biggest test yet.
- The $4.75 million backdrop. Every putt on Sunday is worth more than it was on Thursday. That changes how players think.
- The Chevron Championship. Whoever lifts the trophy on Sunday walks into the first major of 2026 with fresh confidence and a new title.
Travel, Parking, and Accommodation Guide
Travel to Tarzana, California
El Caballero Country Club sits at 18300 Tarzana Drive, Tarzana, CA 91356, in the San Fernando Valley about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Nearest Airports
- Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR): About 15 miles from the venue. The most convenient option for most visitors.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): About 30 miles away. The main hub for international travelers.
Transportation Options
| Option | Details |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Drop-off is right at the main gate. The tournament’s recommended option. |
| Rental Car | Available from both airports. Parking near the venue is very limited. |
| Hotel Shuttle | Some nearby hotels offer shuttle services during tournament week. |
Get there early, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Crowds are biggest on the weekend rounds.
Parking
There is no dedicated tournament parking at El Caballero. Rideshare is the recommended option. Street parking in the surrounding area is extremely limited on competition days.
Accommodation Options
There are good hotel options across the San Fernando Valley. Here are the best areas to consider:
- Tarzana and Woodland Hills: Closest to El Caballero, minimal travel on competition days
- Sherman Oaks and Encino: 10 to 15 minutes away with easy freeway access to the 101 and 405
- Downtown Los Angeles: 25 to 30 miles away, best for fans combining the tournament with a broader LA trip
Book early. Tournament week fills hotel availability across the San Fernando Valley quickly.
Charity and Community Impact
The JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro gives back in meaningful ways beyond the golf course. The wildfire relief program for Eaton and Palisades Fire-affected families is a standout example of a tournament responding to what its local community needs. Junior Golf Day brings thousands of young fans to El Caballero each year and introduces them to professional golf and LPGA Tour role models in person.
JM Eagle’s donation of all pipes and materials for the Wilshire Country Club renovation also shows this is not just a one-week commitment. It is a long-term investment in Los Angeles golf infrastructure that will benefit players and fans for years to come.
Hosting 144 professionals and thousands of spectators across the San Fernando Valley also delivers real economic value to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro has grown into one of the most important weeks in women’s professional golf. The 2026 edition takes that to a new level.
A $4.75 million purse, a loaded field, a dramatic final-round leaderboard, and a course that rewards every part of the game make this genuinely unmissable.
Watch on Golf Channel, stream from wherever you are, or get yourself to Tarzana on Sunday. The 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro is delivering exactly what women’s golf deserves.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship ran April 16-19 at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California.
- Walter Wang increased the purse live to $4.75 million during Saturday’s Golf Channel broadcast.
- The winner earned $712,500, 500 CME points, and a two-year LPGA Tour exemption.
- The field featured 144 players, including 15 top-25 ranked golfers and 24 major champions.
- Hannah Green won in 2023 and 2024, while Ingrid Lindblad won in 2025.
- Sei Young Kim entered Sunday with a two-shot lead at El Caballero.
- Golf Channel aired all four rounds, with streaming available on multiple platforms.
- El Caballero Country Club is a par-71 course redesigned by Rees Jones in 2021.
- Free admission was offered to military families, first responders, juniors, and wildfire-affected residents.
- JM Eagle and Plastpro transformed LPGA prize money growth after taking over sponsorship in 2023.
FAQs
Where Is the JM Eagle LA Championship Played?
The 2026 JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro is played at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Is the JM Eagle LA Championship a Major Tournament?
The cut falls after 36 holes on Friday. Players inside the top 65 and ties advance to the weekend. Everyone outside that line goes home without prize money. This follows standard LPGA Tour cut rules.
How Does the Cut Work at the JM Eagle LA Championship?
The cut falls after 36 holes on Friday. Players inside the top 65 and ties advance to the weekend. Everyone outside that line goes home without prize money. This follows standard LPGA Tour cut rules.
When Are Tee Times Released?
Rounds 1 and 2 tee times come out at the start of tournament week, usually Tuesday or Wednesday. Round 3 pairings are published after Friday’s cut. Round 4 tee times are confirmed once Saturday’s round is done.
