The LPGA Tour 2014 season begins with the Pure Silk LPGA Bahamas Classic from Paradise Island in the Bahamas this week. It is a 72-hole tournament and offers a $1.3 million purse.

It will be the first opportunity for the ladies to earn Race to the CME Globe points. CME Group is sponsoring the new season-long Race to the Globe that will award a $1 million bonus to the top points earner.

Stacy Lewis will be the only member of the LPGA’s “Big 3” in the field this week at the Pure Silk. Suzann Pettersen was forced to withdraw with a sore shoulder and Inbee Park will not start her season until the tour moves to Australia.

Lexi Thompson is coming off two wins late in the season in 2013 and is looking for a monster year. Another teenager, Lydia Ko has joined the tour and will be in the field at the Pure Silk. Ko won her last start at the Swinging Skirts Ladies Masters and it will be interesting to watch Thompson and Ko compete this year.

New tournaments have been added to the LPGA Tour schedule for 2013 and the total purse has been increased to over $56 million. This is the most tournaments and prize money available on the women’s tour since 2011.

Young players, established veterans and 32 very competitive tournaments make the LPGA Tour very attractive to golf fans everywhere.