The cut line has created dramatic moments at the JM Eagle LA Championship in its brief history. World No. 12 Ruoning Yin missed her first cut of the 2024 season after posting rounds of 71-75. Former champion Minjee Lee couldn’t survive after carding 74-72 despite her course knowledge. Even Hannah Green, the two-time defending champion, nearly missed the weekend in 2024. She squeezed through at 1-under par before mounting her championship charge. These high-stakes moments have defined the tournament’s early editions and set the stage for more drama in 2025.

Inside the cut policy at the JM Eagle LA Championship

The 2025 JM Eagle LA Championship, scheduled from April 17-20, will implement a standard cut after 36 holes of play. Only the top 65 players and ties will advance to the weekend rounds. This follows the traditional LPGA Tour format used in previous editions at Wilshire Country Club. The cut line creates significant pressure during the opening rounds, as players must position themselves within the top 65 to continue competing through the weekend.

For the first time, this year’s event will move to El Caballero Country Club. The venue change comes as Wilshire Country Club undergoes major construction. All 144 players will compete for the biggest purse outside any LPGA major: $3.75 million. The field features several top contenders with fascinating tournament histories.

Two-time defending champion Hannah Green has a special connection to this event. Her first win in four years came at the 2023 JM Eagle LA Championship. She followed that with a successful title defense in 2024, shooting impressive rounds of 67-69-70-66. “I hope that I can make as many birdies as possible,” Green said ahead of her three-peat attempt.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda has her own history with the tournament. She finished T6 in 2023 with rounds of 69-71-70-67. Korda withdrew in 2024 due to exhaustion but returns as a headliner this year. Other top contenders include Jeeno Thitikul, Jin Young Ko, and Ayaka Furue, all with their own tournament narratives.

While surviving the cut remains the first challenge for players, the financial rewards awaiting those who make the weekend are substantial. Let’s examine what’s at stake for those who successfully navigate the opening rounds.

Prize money breakdown highlights tournament’s growing prestige

The 2025 JM Eagle LA Championship prize money is the largest prize fund on the LPGA Tour outside of major championships. The winner will take home $562,500, making it a significant payday for the champion.

The tournament’s financial growth reflects its rising status on the Tour. The purse has increased dramatically since the inaugural edition, which offered $1.5 million. This growth demonstrates the commitment of title sponsors JM Eagle and Plastpro to elevating women’s golf.

The 2025 field includes world No. 1 Nelly Korda and defending champion Hannah Green. Top contenders like Jeeno Thitikul, Jin Young Ko, and local favorite Lilia Vu will also join them. The strong field reflects the tournament’s growing reputation and attractive prize fund.

Walter and Shirley Wang, CEOs of JM Eagle and Plastpro, have contributed significantly to the event’s prestige. They provide complimentary lodging for all 144 players throughout the tournament week. This player-friendly approach helped the event win LPGA Tournament of the Year honors in 2024.

The cut policy and substantial purse set the stage for an exciting 2025 edition. Will Hannah Green make history with a third consecutive title? Or will a new champion emerge from the elite field? The drama begins April 17 at El Caballero Country Club.