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Morgan Pressel
Morgan Pressel
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Morgan Pressel (born May 23, 1988) is an American professional golfer and golf commentator who played on the LPGA Tour. In 2001, as a 12-year-old, she became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. She was the 2005 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Player of the Year, and won the 2006 AJGA Nancy Lopez Award. She turned pro at age 17, and is the youngest-ever winner of a modern LPGA major championship, when at age 18 she won the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship (now known as the Chevron Championship) and vaulted to a career-high fourth in the world rankings.[1] In early March 2021, she announced she had joined the Golf Channel and NBC Sports to be an analyst and on-course reporter in the 2021 season, while continuing to compete.[2]

Key Information

Childhood and family life

[edit]

Born in Tampa, Florida, to Mike Pressel and Kathy Krickstein Pressel, she attended Banyan Creek Elementary School, Omni Middle School, and graduated in 2006 from the Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, a private school affiliated with the Episcopal Church.[3] She has stated that her Jewish faith plays a large role in her life.[4][citation needed]

Following her mother's death from breast cancer in September 2003, 15-year-old Pressel moved in with her maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Herb Krickstein, at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida. Her two younger siblings stayed with their father. Her grandfather, a retired physician and pathologist, is also her coach. The Kricksteins' son and Pressel's uncle is former professional tennis player Aaron Krickstein.[5]

Pressel's younger sister Madison played collegiate golf for the University of Texas[6] and won on the Symetra Tour in 2014.

In January 2013, Pressel married Andy Bush, a senior vice president at Octagon Global Events. The two met at a pro-am event in 2007.[7][8]

Amateur career

[edit]

In 2001, as a 12-year-old, she became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. This record stood until 2007, when Lexi Thompson beat the record by several months.

At the age of 17, she was one of three co-leaders starting the final round of the 2005 U.S. Women's Open at Cherry Hills in suburban Denver. Pressel was tied for first on the 18th fairway when Birdie Kim holed out from the bunker just ahead to secure a one-stroke lead. Pressel then needed a birdie to tie, but made a bogey on the 18th to lose by two strokes. Her second-place finish gave her a share of the low amateur honors with Brittany Lang. Pressel played in a total of seven LPGA events in 2005 and made the cut in all of them, with a scoring average of 70.96 in 28 rounds.[9]

In 2005, Pressel lost to Yani Tseng at 39th hole during the North and South Women's Amateur at Pinehurst, but won the most important amateur event, the U.S. Women's Amateur. Pressel also finished her amateur career as 2005 Girls Rolex Junior Player of the Year.

During her amateur career, she won 10 AJGA titles, including all five AJGA Invitationals: the "AJGA Slam".[10]

Professional career

[edit]
Pressel in June 2009

Pressel finished sixth in the first stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament in September 2005 and advanced to the final stage in December.[11] She turned professional in November, after appealing to the LPGA to become a member as a 17-year-old. LPGA rules state that members must be 18 years old.[3] At the five-round Final Qualifying Tournament in Daytona Beach, she finished tied for sixth to earn her tour card for 2006.[12] She played part-time on the tour until her high school graduation in May 2006.

Pressel earned her first victory in 2007 at the Kraft Nabisco Championship and became the youngest-ever winner of a modern LPGA major at 18 years, 313 days,[13] a record that would stand until Lydia Ko won the 2015 Evian Championship at the age of 18 years, 4 months and 20 days. On her flight home to Florida after her win, Pressel had her golf clubs stolen.[14] The win moved her from 17th in the world rankings to fourth.[1]

Pressel made her first hole-in-one as a professional golfer on July 15, 2007, at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio. It was a 148-yard (135 m) par 3 – hole 6 for the tournament. It was not enough to win, though; Se Ri Pak won the event for the fifth time.[15]

Pressel in 2009

Pressel qualified for the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Solheim Cup teams; earning a spot on the 2007 team in her second full-year on the LPGA Tour as a 19-year-old. Through 2011, she was undefeated (3–0–0) in Solheim Cup singles play.

In the 2012 Sybase Match Play Championship, Pressel was in contention for her third LPGA Tour victory in the semi-finals when she was 2 up after 11 holes to opponent Azahara Muñoz. Pressel won the 12th hole but a slow play penalty resulted in the loss of the hole instead. She would lose the match and Muñoz went on to win the tournament.[16]

On April 26, 2015, Pressel came in second at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in San Francisco. She and Lydia Ko finished at 8-under-par 280 with Ko making a birdie on the par-5 closing hole while Pressel missed a birdie effort to end the tournament. Ko won on the second playoff hole. Pressel's last victory was in 2008 at the Kapalua LPGA Classic.[17]

She is represented by Wasserman Media Group and has endorsement deals with Callaway Golf, Polo Ralph Lauren, Royal Bank of Canada, and Audemars Piguet.

Professional wins (4)

[edit]
Pressel in 2009

LPGA Tour wins (2)

[edit]
Legend
Major championships (1)
Other LPGA Tour (1)
No. Date Tournament Winning score To par Margin
of victory
Runner(s)-up Winner's
share ($)
1 Apr 1, 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship 74-72-70-69=285 −3 1 stroke United States Brittany Lincicome
Scotland Catriona Matthew
Norway Suzann Pettersen
300,000
2 Oct 19, 2008 Kapalua LPGA Classic 72-72-67-69=280 −8 1 stroke Norway Suzann Pettersen 225,000

LPGA Tour playoff record (0–2)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 2009 Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic South Korea Eunjung Yi Lost to birdie on first extra hole
2 2015 Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic New Zealand Lydia Ko Lost to birdie on second extra hole

LPGA of Japan Tour wins (1)

[edit]

Other wins (1)

[edit]

Major championships

[edit]

Wins (1)

[edit]
No. Year Championship Winning score Margin
of victory
Runners-up
1 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship −3 (74-72-70-69=285) 1 stroke United States Brittany Lincicome, Scotland Catriona Matthew,
Norway Suzann Pettersen

Results timeline

[edit]

Results not in chronological order before 2019.

Tournament 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
ANA Inspiration T19 T13 1 T38 T40 T19
U.S. Women's Open CUT 52 T2TLA T28 T10 T17 T13 T34
Women's PGA Championship 69 14 T6 CUT T7
Women's British Open T56 CUT CUT T42 8
Tournament 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
ANA Inspiration T3 T46 T52 T11 3 CUT T42 T72 T44 CUT
U.S. Women's Open T21 WD T20 CUT T5 71 CUT T50 CUT
Women's PGA Championship 2 T45 T3 CUT T5 CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT
The Evian Championship ^ T31 T41 T11 CUT T18 T26 CUT NT
Women's British Open T49 T43 T4 T21 CUT CUT T49 4 T59
Tournament 2021
ANA Inspiration CUT
U.S. Women's Open
Women's PGA Championship
The Evian Championship ^
Women's British Open

^ The Evian Championship was added as a major in 2013

  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

LA = low amateur
CUT = missed the half-way cut
WD = withdrew
NT = no tournament
T = tied

Summary

[edit]
Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
ANA Inspiration 1 0 2 3 3 7 17 14
U.S. Women's Open 0 1 0 2 3 7 17 12
Women's PGA Championship 0 1 1 3 5 6 15 8
The Evian Championship 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 5
Women's British Open 0 0 0 2 3 4 14 10
Totals 1 2 3 10 14 26 70 49
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 12 (2009 U.S. Open – 2012 LPGA)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 3 (2015 ANA – 2015 U.S. Open)

LPGA Tour career summary

[edit]
Year Tournaments
played
Cuts
made*
Wins 2nd 3rd Top 10s Best
finish
Earnings
($)
Money
list rank
Scoring
average
Scoring
rank
2001 1 0 0 0 0 0 CUT n/a 77.00
2003 1 1 0 0 0 0 52 76.00
2005 7 7 0 1 0 2 T2 70.96
2006 23 21 0 0 1 9 3 465,685 24 71.51 20
2007 25 23 1 1 3 8 1 972,452 9 71.34 6
2008 26 21 1 1 0 5 1 711,261 24 72.04 42
2009 24 21 0 2 0 5 2 630,313 22 71.38 29
2010 23 22 0 1 0 7 T2 767,455 13 71.05 11
2011 22 20 0 1 1 7 2 845,466 13 71.34 14
2012 23 15 0 0 1 1 3 271,548 45 73.65 98
2013 24 18 0 0 1 3 T3 504,188 28 71.70 33
2014 29 24 0 0 0 4 4 508,534 35 71.31 22
2015 27 22 0 1 2 6 2 962,794 11 71.42 30
2016 24 18 0 2 0 2 T2 386,672 48 72.21 77
2017 26 17 0 0 0 0 T15 195,000 78 72.32 113
2018 21 14 0 0 0 1 T7 137,346 90 71.92 75
2019 26 18 0 0 1 6 T3 610,872 36 71.37 57
2020 15 8 0 0 0 0 T15 77,513 93 72.96 104
2021 4 2 0 0 0 1 T8 49,271 136 72.00 n/a
Totals^ 361 292 2 10 10 66^ 1 8,096,370 35

^ Official through 2021 season.[18][19][20]
*Includes matchplay and other tournaments without a cut.

World ranking

[edit]

Position in Women's World Golf Rankings at the end of each calendar year.

Year World
ranking
Source
2006 25 [21]
2007 12 [22]
2008 19 [23]
2009 23 [24]
2010 17 [25]
2011 16 [26]
2012 38 [27]
2013 47 [28]
2014 52 [29]
2015 24 [30]
2016 55 [31]
2017 127 [32]
2018 180 [33]
2019 53 [34]
2020 90 [35]
2021 179 [36]

Pressel's career-high in the world rankings is fourth, in the spring of 2007.[1]

Team appearances

[edit]

Amateur

Professional

Solheim Cup record

[edit]
Year Total
matches
Total
W–L–H
Singles
W–L–H
Foursomes
W–L–H
Fourballs
W–L–H
Points
won
Points
%
Career 22 11–8–3 4–2–0 5–3–1 2–3–2 12.5 56.8
2007 4 1–2–1 1–0–0 def. A. Sörenstam 2&1 0–1–0 lost w/ N. Gulbis 3&2 0–1–1 halved w/ P. Creamer,
lost w/ C. Kerr 3&2
1.5 37.5
2009 3 2–0–1 1–0–0 def. A. Nordqvist 3&2 1–0–0 won w/ K. McPherson 2 up 0–0–1 halved w/ M. Wie 2.5 83.3
2011 4 4–0–0 1–0–0 def. A. Nordqvist 2&1 1–0–0 won w/ R. O'Toole 3&2 2–0–0 won w/ P. Creamer 1 up,
won w/ C. Kerr 1 up
4.0 100.
2013 4 1–3–0 0–1–0 lost to C. Ciganda 4&2 1–1–0 won w/ J. Korda 3&2,
lost w/ J. Korda 2&1
0–1–0 lost w/ C. Kerr 2 dn 1.0 25.0
2015 4 2–2–0 1–0–0 def. C. Matthew 2 up 1–1–0 won w/ P. Creamer 3&2,
lost w/ P. Creamer 1 dn
0–1–0 lost w/ P. Creamer 4&3 2.0 50.0
2019 3 1–1–1 0–1–0 lost to A. Nordqvist 4&3 1–0–1 halved w/ M. Alex
won w/ M. Alex 2&1
1.5 50.0

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Morgan Pressel (born May 23, 1988) is an American former professional er and golf broadcaster who rose to prominence as the youngest major champion in Tour history after winning the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship at age 18 years, 10 months, and 9 days. Born in , Pressel began playing at age 8 and was heavily influenced by her grandfather, Herb Krickstein, developing her skills in the competitive junior and amateur circuits. Pressel's amateur career was marked by exceptional achievements, including becoming the youngest player to qualify for the in 2001 at age 12 (a record later surpassed), securing 11 wins on the American Junior Golf Association circuit, and earning the 2005 AJGA Player of the Year award. She won the 2005 and finished as runner-up in the 2005 before turning professional in November 2005 and joining the Tour as a rookie in 2006. Her professional accomplishments include two Tour victories—the 2007 Kraft Championship and the 2008 Kapalua Classic—along with 66 top-10 finishes, 142 top-25 finishes, and over $8.1 million in official career earnings. A six-time participant in the (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019), Pressel contributed to U.S. team efforts in this biennial competition against Europe. In recent years, she has shifted focus toward broadcasting, joining and in 2021 as an analyst and on-course reporter for LPGA Tour, , and major championship coverage. As of August 2025, Pressel was appointed captain of the U.S. team for the 2026 PING Junior , aiming to lead the squad to a second consecutive victory in the event. Beyond her athletic and media pursuits, Pressel is actively involved in through the Morgan & Friends Fight Cancer Foundation, which she founded in 2008 and which has raised nearly $14 million as of 2025 for and patient care. Married to Andy Bush since 2013, she resides in and maintains interests in , , , and culinary experiences.

Early life

Childhood

Morgan Pressel was born on May 23, 1988, in Tampa, Florida. At the age of eight, her family relocated to Boca Raton, where she settled into the St. Andrews Country Club community and began her golf journey in earnest. Pressel's introduction to golf came through her maternal grandfather, Herb Krickstein, who played a pivotal role in sparking her interest in the sport. She started playing regularly at age eight, training at local clubs like St. Andrews Country Club and soon participating in youth tournaments that marked her initial forays into competitive play. Her family provided strong support for her developing passion, encouraging her dedication to the game during these formative years. In 1999, when Pressel was 11 years old, her mother, Krickstein Pressel, was diagnosed with at age 39, profoundly affecting the family dynamics as they navigated the illness together. battled the disease for four years before passing away on September 5, 2003, at age 43, leaving 15-year-old Pressel to cope with the loss by moving in with her maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Krickstein, in Boca Raton. This tragedy reshaped the family's structure, with Pressel's siblings remaining with their father, and it deeply motivated Pressel, channeling her grief into a heightened commitment to as a source of resilience and purpose.

Family background

Morgan Pressel was born on May 23, 1988, in , to Mike Pressel, a , and Kathy Krickstein Pressel, a former Big Ten tennis champion at the who worked as a tennis teaching pro. Her parents, both raised in suburban , met on a and relocated the family to to support Morgan's emerging golf talent. Pressel has two younger siblings: sister Madison, three years her junior, and brother Mitchell, five years younger, both of whom also took up during their youth. Madison Pressel played collegiate golf for the University of and later won on the Symetra Tour in 2014. Her maternal grandfather, Herb Krickstein, a retired physician and avid golfer, introduced Pressel to the sport at age eight and served as her primary coach, profoundly shaping her technical skills and competitive mindset. Pressel's uncle, , is a former professional player, reflecting the family's athletic heritage. Kathy Pressel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 when Morgan was 11; the disease returned as stage IV, and she died on September 5, 2003, at age 43. In the wake of this loss, 15-year-old Pressel moved in with her maternal grandparents, Herb and Evelyn Krickstein, in , while her father raised Madison and Mitchell nearby; this structure offered stability and close guidance as she pursued her amateur and professional career. The family's collective coping emphasized perseverance, fostering Pressel's resilience amid personal tragedy.

Amateur career

Junior accomplishments

Morgan Pressel quickly established herself as a standout junior golfer in the United States, achieving remarkable feats in national and regional competitions before reaching age 18. At age 12, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open, earning her spot in 2001 with a 2-under-par 70 during sectional qualifying in North Palm Beach. She competed in the championship at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, posting rounds of 77 and 77 for a total of 154, missing the cut but marking the youngest debut in an major at the time. Pressel dominated the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) circuit, securing 11 victories, including all five invitational events for which she was eligible, such as the 2005 Girls Junior Championship and the 2005 Thunderbird International Junior. Her exceptional performance earned her the 2005 Junior Player of the Year award, recognizing her as the top female junior in the nation. She also received Junior All-America honors five times, from 2001 to 2005. In 2004, Pressel captured the Florida State High School Girls' Championship as part of St. Andrew's School, contributing to her three consecutive state titles from 2003 to 2005, along with other regional successes that solidified her prodigy status. Her early passion for was nurtured by family encouragement, particularly from her grandfather, who introduced her to the sport at age 8.

International amateur successes

In 2005, at age 17, Morgan Pressel achieved significant success in elite amateur competitions, culminating in her victory at the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship held at Ansley Golf Club in . She defeated Maru Martinez of 9-and-8 in the 36-hole final, marking the largest margin of victory in the event's history at that time and securing her status as one of the top young amateurs globally. This win highlighted her dominance in match-play formats against international competition, including earlier victories over players like Jane Rah of in the round of 16. Earlier that year, Pressel finished as runner-up at the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship at Pinehurst No. 2 in , where she was defeated by Ya-Ni Tseng of on the 39th hole in the final after advancing as co-medalist. Her performance in these USGA events underscored her competitive edge against a diverse field of international amateurs, building on her earlier junior foundation. Additionally, she tied for second place at the U.S. Women's Open at in , becoming the youngest player to contend seriously for the title as an amateur, finishing two strokes behind winner Birdie Kim alongside fellow amateur . Pressel's standout season earned her the 2005 Girls Junior Player of the Year award from the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), recognizing her as the top performer after winning all five AJGA Invitational events she entered, including the international-field Thunderbird International Junior in . She also held the No. 1 position in the AJGA Polo Golf Rankings and was ranked as the top girls junior and women's amateur by Golfweek magazine for much of the year, affirming her preeminence among global young talents.

Professional golf career

Turning professional

At the peak of her amateur career, including a victory at the 2005 , 17-year-old Morgan Pressel decided to turn professional in November 2005, forgoing college eligibility to pursue a full-time career on the Tour. This move required special permission from LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw, as league rules mandated members be at least 18 years old; Pressel successfully appealed the age minimum to accept endorsement income and compete as a professional. Immediately following her transition to professional status, Pressel secured a multi-year endorsement deal with Callaway Golf, agreeing to use and promote the company's equipment. The agreement, signed just days after her 17th birthday in late May but announced in December, marked one of her first major sponsorships as a pro and provided financial stability ahead of her LPGA debut. In late 2005, after competing in several events as an —where she made the cut in all seven starts and posted finishes no worse than 25th, including a T5 at the State Farm Classic and T10 at the Michelob Light Open at —Pressel fully embraced her pro status. She prepared for the 2006 rookie season by participating in the LPGA Qualifying Tournament (Q-Series), where she tied for sixth to earn full exempt status for the upcoming year. This performance positioned her strongly for a competitive entry into the professional circuit.

Early LPGA years and major victory

Pressel turned professional in late 2005 and earned her full Tour card for 2006 after tying for sixth at the Qualifying Tournament. In her rookie season, she competed in 24 events, making 18 cuts, and recorded four top-10 finishes, including a tie for second at the Sybase Classic where she finished one stroke behind winner . She earned $504,188 in prize money, placing 28th on the official money list, and finished third in the Rolex Rookie of the Year voting. The following year, Pressel achieved a breakthrough by winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship on April 1, 2007, at Mission Hills Country Club in . At 18 years, 10 months, and 9 days old, she became the youngest winner of an LPGA major championship in the , surpassing the previous record held by Patty Berg in 1937. Pressel closed with a bogey-free 3-under-par 69, birdieing the 18th hole from 10 feet to finish at 3-under 285, one stroke ahead of , Catriona Matthew, and after the latter two faltered on the back nine. This victory marked her first LPGA Tour win and earned her the traditional champion's leap into the 18th green's pond. Following her major triumph, Pressel continued her strong form in 2007 with five additional top-10 finishes, including a career-low 64 in the third round and a hole-in-one in the final round of the Classic. She rose to a career-high No. 4 in the immediately after the Kraft win. During this peak period, Pressel's game was characterized by precise iron play that set up numerous birdie opportunities and reliable putting, which proved crucial in her major success and consistent contention.

Mid-career achievements and challenges

Following her breakthrough major victory in 2007, Pressel continued her strong play into 2008, securing her second Tour win at the Kapalua LPGA Classic with a final-round 69 to edge out by one stroke. She also posted five top-10 finishes that year, including a T2 at the Sybase Classic and a T6 at the McDonald's Championship, helping her surpass $2 million in career earnings. From 2009 to 2011, Pressel maintained consistent contention with multiple top-10 results each season, highlighted by seven such finishes in 2011 alone, including a runner-up at the Wegmans where she crossed $4 million in earnings. However, her form dipped in 2012 amid persistent injuries, with her best result a T3 at the Sybase ; she battled right thumb and wrist tendinitis, which forced her withdrawal from the U.S. Women's Open after an opening 10-over 82 and limited her overall performance. These issues contributed to a challenging period, as Pressel later described them as her "worst years" on tour, marked by inconsistent results and ranking fluctuations outside the top 20. Pressel staged a resurgence from 2013 to 2015, rebuilding her game through focused preparation around majors and swing adjustments. In 2013, she notched a T3 at the Wegmans Championship, crossing $5 million in career earnings, while 2014 brought four top-10s, including three T4 finishes. Her momentum peaked in 2015 with top-5 results in the first three majors—solo third at the ANA Inspiration after leading following the opening round—and a career-low 63 at the Sime Darby Malaysia, earning $962,794 to finish 11th on the money list.

Later years and retirement

In the later years of her professional career, from 2016 to 2020, Pressel competed consistently on the Tour, participating in 24 to 26 events annually in 2016–2019 and achieving multiple top-25 finishes each season, though she recorded no victories during this period. Her standout major performance came earlier with a tie for fifth at the 2015 KPMG Women's PGA Championship, but she remained competitive, posting six top-10 finishes in —including a tie for third at the HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open—and earning selection to her sixth U.S. team that year, where she compiled an 11-8-3 career record in the event. Earnings during these years reflected steady play, with $610,872 in alone, crossing the $8 million career threshold by 2020. By 2021, Pressel scaled back dramatically to just four events amid her growing commitments to broadcasting for and , making the cut in two and securing a season-best tie for eighth at the HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open. This limited schedule marked a shift as she balanced competitive golf with media roles, influenced in part by lingering effects from mid-career injuries. Pressel did not enter any events in 2022 or 2023, prioritizing her broadcasting career and other golf-related endeavors. She retired from competitive play after 16 seasons on the Tour, with her final start at the 2021 HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open; by 2024, she was fully established as a lead analyst for ' coverage.

Professional wins

LPGA Tour wins

Pressel's first LPGA Tour victory came at the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship, a 72-hole stroke-play event held March 29–April 1 at Mission Hills Country Club's Dinah Shore Tournament Course in , which featured a $2 million purse. She carded rounds of 74-72-70-69 to finish at 3-under-par 285, securing a one-stroke win over Catriona Matthew. At 18 years, 10 months, and 9 days old, Pressel set a record as the youngest winner of a modern LPGA major championship. This breakthrough performance earned her First-Time Winner status and played a key role in her third-place finish in the 2007 Rookie of the Year standings. Her second LPGA Tour win occurred at the inaugural Kapalua LPGA Classic, contested October 16–19 on the par-72 Bay Course at in , with a $1.5 million purse. Pressel shot a final-round 3-under-par 69 to reach 8-under-par 280 overall, prevailing by one stroke against . The victory pushed her career earnings beyond $2 million and highlighted her growing prowess as a 20-year-old professional.

Other wins

Pressel's non-LPGA professional success included a victory on the at the 2010 World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup, held May 7–9 at in Tsukubamirai, . Finishing at 9-under par 207, she claimed the title—considered the first major of the JLPGA season—and earned her first international win as a professional, boosting her to No. 7 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings. In team competition, Pressel won the 2012 CVS Caremark Charity Classic on June 18–19 at in . Paired with Champions Tour player in the mixed-format event, they finished at 21-under par 119, securing the victory by two strokes after a final-round scramble that included birdies on 10 of the first 11 holes and an eagle on the par-5 12th.

Major championships

Wins

Morgan Pressel secured her sole major championship victory at the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship—now known as the Chevron Championship—the first major of the LPGA Tour season, held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. On April 1, 2007, the 18-year-old Pressel carded a final-round 3-under-par 69, playing bogey-free over her last 24 holes, to finish at 3-under 285 and claim a one-stroke margin over runners-up Brittany Lincicome and Catriona Matthew. This triumph marked Pressel as the youngest winner of a modern major championship at 18 years, 10 months, and 9 days old, eclipsing the previous record set by Sandra Post in 1968. The achievement was especially poignant for Pressel, who had lost her mother, Kathy Krickstein Pressel, to in 2003 at age 44, and she dedicated the win to her family during an emotional post-round interview. Following her birdie on the 18th hole to seal the victory, Pressel celebrated by jumping into the traditional champion's pond at the par-5 18th, a moment that underscored the historic and personal significance of her breakthrough professional success.

Results timeline

YearChevron ChampionshipWomen's PGA ChampionshipU.S. Women's OpenThe Evian ChampionshipAIG Women's British Open
2005T19aDNPa-2DNPDNP
2006CUTT9T23DNPCUT
20071CUTT23DNPT5
2008T2T17CUTDNP2
2009T12CUTT10DNPT9
2010T5T14T5DNPT7
2011T28CUTCUTDNPT11
2012T25T5T23DNPCUT
2013T17T3T12T5T19
2014T18T5CUTT18CUT
2015T4T2T5T13T7
2016T10CUTT10CUTT14
2017T25T21T10CUTCUT
2018CUTT25CUTDNPT26
2019CUTT5T33T9CUT
2020CUTCUTCUTDNPDNP
2021CUTCUTCUTDNPCUT
2022DNPDNPCUTDNPDNP
2023DNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
2024DNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
2025DNPDNPDNPDNPDNP
Key: Win highlighted in bold if applicable; DNP = did not play; CUT = missed the half-way cut; "T" indicates a tie for a place. Amateur finishes denoted as "a-".

Performance summary

Morgan Pressel competed in more than 80 major championships between 2005 and 2025, recording one victory, six top-5 finishes, and 15 top-10 finishes overall. Her performance highlights her early promise as a prodigy, though sustained dominance in majors proved elusive later in her career. Pressel did not compete in any 2025 majors, focusing on her career. In specific majors, Pressel's best result was a win at the in 2007, where she finished first at age 18. She achieved a T5 at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, along with strong showings in other events such as T3 at the Championship in 2013 and T5 at the U.S. Women's Open in 2015. Pressel's major results showed distinct trends, with a strong start from to that included three top-10 finishes, building on her victory. A resurgence occurred between 2018 and 2020, during which she posted four top-20 finishes, demonstrating renewed competitiveness amid career challenges. As one of the youngest major winners in history, Pressel joined an elite group but experienced limited further success in majors after , with no additional victories despite consistent participation.

Career statistics

LPGA Tour summary

Morgan Pressel competed on the Tour from 2006 to 2024, participating in 362 events and accumulating official career earnings of $8,096,370 as of October 2025. Her two LPGA victories contributed significantly to her success, complemented by 66 top-10 finishes and 142 top-25 results, which underscored her consistency as a top contender during her peak years. In her rookie season of , Pressel posted strong results in limited starts, including multiple top-20 performances. Her breakout year came in 2007, when she secured her first major victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship and tallied $972,452 in earnings, placing ninth on the money list while achieving seven top-10 finishes. That season marked her career-best scoring average of 71.09, highlighting her precision and birdie-making ability, as she ranked eighth in total birdies with 299. Pressel's all-around game featured notable strengths in driving accuracy and putting, with a career highlight in 2009 when she ranked 20th in driving accuracy at 75.3%. Throughout her career, she maintained solid greens in regulation rates and birdie averages, often exceeding 3.5 birdies per round in her stronger seasons, contributing to her enduring presence among the tour's elite players.

World rankings

Morgan Pressel entered the top 100 of the early in her rookie season of 2006, reaching as high as 16th by July after strong performances on the Tour. Her rapid ascent continued into 2007, where her victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship propelled her to a career-high ranking of fourth in the world on April 2, following the event. This major triumph marked her as the youngest winner in LPGA major history at the time and significantly boosted her global standing. Throughout 2007, Pressel maintained a strong presence in the upper echelons of the rankings, remaining in the top 10 for much of the year and ending the season at 12th. By , she had climbed to sixth, reflecting consistent top finishes across multiple tournaments. However, her rankings began to fluctuate in subsequent years due to a combination of injuries and inconsistent form; a thumb injury in 2012 forced her withdrawal from the U.S. Women's Open and limited her play, contributing to a slide outside the top 20 by mid-year. Pressel's rankings continued to decline through the early , reaching 39th by the end of 2012 amid ongoing recovery from the thumb issue and reduced competitive output. A further wrist injury sustained at the 2012 Wegmans Championship exacerbated her challenges, affecting her swing and ability to practice, which led to prolonged periods of subpar results and a drop toward the lower half of the top 100. In 2018, Pressel experienced a notable resurgence, climbing back into the top 50 after starting the year at 127th, driven by improved form and multiple top-10 finishes, including at the . This uptick brought her briefly near the top 20 during the season, though she did not sustain it long-term. By 2024, with a reduced playing schedule focused on select events and her growing broadcasting commitments, her ranking had fallen to approximately 570th; as of November 2025, it stood at around 650th, reflecting continued fewer starts and points accumulation.

Broadcasting career

Transition to media

In early 2021, Morgan Pressel joined and as an on-course reporter and analyst, marking her initial foray into broadcasting while continuing to compete on the LPGA Tour. This move came after a challenging 2020 season, during which Pressel struggled with her form and motivation to compete, prompting her to seek a new professional avenue that leveraged her deep expertise in professional golf. She expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting her desire to share her knowledge and passion for the sport with a broader audience, viewing it as an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. Pressel's entry into media was facilitated by prior informal experiences with the network dating back to , and she proactively reached out to executives following a missed cut early in the 2021 season to accept a standing offer for more substantial involvement. Her first major assignment was as an on-course reporter for 's coverage of a event in March 2021, where she provided insights from inside the ropes during the opening rounds. This debut was followed by Tour duties, including reporting on key events such as the and majors like the U.S. Women's Open and the Amundi Evian Championship. To balance her dual commitments, Pressel adopted a limited broadcasting schedule that allowed her to maintain a competitive playing calendar, though she participated in fewer tournaments that year compared to prior seasons—competing in 15 events—to accommodate the demands of her new role. This transitional approach enabled her to test the waters in media without immediately abandoning her playing career, reflecting a deliberate step toward diversifying her professional path amid evolving personal priorities.

Key broadcasting roles and contributions

Since transitioning to broadcasting in 2021, Morgan Pressel has established herself as a prominent analyst for and , serving as the lead analyst for the network's coverage of the U.S. Women's Open from 2022 to 2025. In this role, she provided expert analysis alongside play-by-play announcer Dan Hicks, drawing on her experience as a 2007 major champion to offer player-centric insights during primetime broadcasts, including the 2023 event at Pebble Beach where aired the final rounds for the first time. Her commentary was noted for its honesty and depth, helping to elevate the visibility of women's golf majors. Pressel has also hosted and contributed to programming, including pre- and post-round shows like Golf Today, where she breaks down Tour events and interviews players to engage audiences with relatable perspectives from her professional career. In 2023, she served as a key analyst for the coverage on , delivering insightful, player-focused breakdowns that highlighted team dynamics and strategic decisions, earning praise for bridging the gap between competitors and viewers. Her energetic and authentic style, informed by six appearances as a player, made her commentary particularly effective in high-stakes international team events. As of 2025, she continues to provide analysis for Tour events on and . Expanding her portfolio in 2024, Pressel debuted as the women's analyst for NBC's Olympic coverage in , providing analysis during the tournament where she celebrated standout performances like Brooke Henderson's birdie run with passionate, on-point observations. She also took on a prominent analyst role for the , working alongside to cover the season finale, emphasizing the event's significance in showcasing top talent. Her contributions to these broadcasts contributed to NBCUniversal's 2024 Paris Olympics coverage winning a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event. Throughout her media tenure, Pressel has advocated for the growth of women's by using her platform to highlight emerging players, course strategies, and the sport's inclusivity, often relating anecdotes from her 2007 ANA Inspiration victory to make complex topics accessible. This relatable, high-energy approach has been lauded for humanizing the professional game and inspiring broader interest, solidifying her as a influential voice in golf media since 2021.

Team appearances

Solheim Cup

Morgan Pressel represented the in six s from 2007 to 2019, compiling an overall record of 11 wins, 8 losses, and 3 halves across 22 matches. Her contributions were particularly notable in match-play formats, where she secured key victories that influenced team outcomes. Pressel made her debut in 2007 at Halmstad Golf Club in , where the U.S. team defeated 16-12. As a 19-year-old , she posted a 1-2-1 record, highlighted by a 2-and-1 singles win over legendary Swede Annika Sörenstam, marking one of the event's memorable upsets. This performance helped establish her as a reliable team player early in her professional career. In 2009 at in , Pressel went 2-0-1, including a crucial 3-and-2 singles victory over that clinched the Cup for the U.S. in a 16-12 win, securing their third consecutive title. Her undefeated start in singles that year underscored her clutch ability in high-stakes team events. Pressel followed with a perfect 4-0-0 record in 2011 at Killeen Castle in , , contributing to all four points in , fourball, and singles formats during a 15–13 U.S. loss. Pressel's later appearances included 2013 at Colorado Golf Club (1-3-0 record in an 18–10 U.S. loss), 2015 at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot in Sankt Leon-Rot, (2–2–0 record as part of the victorious U.S. team), and 2019 at Gleneagles (in a 14.5-13.5 U.S. defeat). Over her career, she helped the U.S. secure three victories, demonstrating resilience and strategic prowess in team competition. Following her playing career, Pressel transitioned to an analyst role for the event in 2021 and 2023.

Other international teams

Pressel represented the in the PING Junior Solheim Cup as an , competing against a of top junior female golfers in 2002, 2003, and 2005. Her overall record across these appearances was 4 wins, 0 losses, and 2 halves, establishing her as one of the most successful American participants in the event's history at the time. In 2002, the U.S. team defeated 17–7 at Oak Ridge Country Club in , with Pressel contributing to the victory in her debut. The 2003 match at Bokskogen Golf Club in Malmö, , ended in a 13–11 Europe win, while the 2005 event at The Bridgewater Club in , saw the U.S. claim a 16–8 triumph. Pressel also represented the International team in the Lexus Cup, an annual team competition pitting Asia against the rest of the world, in 2006 and 2007. In 2006 at The Vines Resort and Country Club in Perth, , the International team lost to 19.5–12.5; Pressel's specific record is not detailed in available sources. In 2007 at the same venue, defeated the International team 15–12; again, individual records are unavailable. Beyond the Junior Solheim Cup and Lexus Cup, Pressel's professional career on the Tour limited her involvement in additional international team events. She did not qualify for the Olympics following golf's return to the program in , as her world ranking did not place her among the top American eligibles.

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

Morgan Pressel married Andrew "Andy" Bush, a partner at Outlyr (previously senior vice president at Global Events), on January 19, 2013. The couple first met in 2007 at a pro-am event in , organized by , where Bush was involved in ; they began dating later and got engaged in 2012. During their engagement, Pressel noted that she and Bush bonded over their mutual love of travel, as both maintained schedules that kept them on the road frequently for work. They also share a commitment to , with Pressel crediting Bush's support in her efforts through the Morgan Pressel Foundation, which focuses on breast cancer research, treatment, and awareness. The couple has no children but co-parents their dogs, including Zoe, a pup Pressel describes as her constant travel companion and "fur baby." Pressel and Bush reside in Boca Raton, Florida, and as of late 2025, Pressel has kept details of her personal relationships largely private amid her growing broadcasting career.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Morgan Pressel founded the Morgan Pressel Foundation in 2008 to honor her mother, Kathryn Krickstein Pressel, who died from in 2003 at age 43. The foundation's flagship initiative, the annual Morgan & Friends Fight Cancer Tournament held at St. Andrews Country Club in , began that year and has since raised nearly $14 million for breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. The foundation has established key partnerships to advance its mission, including collaborations with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, where Pressel has been honored for her contributions and supported fundraising efforts, and City of Hope, through the Morgan Pressel Center for Cancer Genetics at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, which integrates City of Hope's clinical cancer genomics research network. These efforts include the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan, a mobile mammography unit providing accessible screenings in South Florida communities. Beyond initiatives, Pressel advocates for awareness in sports, drawing from her experiences as a to discuss resilience and emotional challenges in and media appearances. She also supports the *USGA Girls Golf program as an alumna and ambassador, endorsing its role in empowering young girls through golf instruction, life skills development, and barrier-breaking opportunities worldwide. In the 2020s, Pressel has leveraged her broadcasting role on and to amplify , particularly during October campaigns, while expanding foundation initiatives such as a $1.2 million donation in 2023 to enhance services at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The 2024 Morgan & Friends tournament continued this momentum, and the 18th annual event in January 2025 raised a record $1,022,000. In September 2025, the foundation introduced a second Krickstein Pressel MammoVan to further expand mobile screening access in , contributing to ongoing research and patient care advancements.

References

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