EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE MONEY INCREASED ... SECOND LARGEST PURSE IN WOMEN'S PRO GOLF

Evian Championship officials announced Tuesday that they are increasing the French women's professional tournament's total prize money to $3.65 million, making it the second largest purse in women's golf.

Only the U.S. Women's Open ($5 million) features a larger purse in women's golf.

Evian's purse is being increased from $3.25 million last year.

The winner's cheque this year  will be $547,500. The year's final major is scheduled Sept. 14-17 at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Baines, France.

"This development once again resonates with our desire to position The Evian Championship as a platform to aid the promotion and growth of women's golf," Evian Championship chairman Franck Riboud said in a statement.

The increase elevates the LPGA's total prize money to a record $67.65 million, up from the record $63 million played for last year.

"While the overall Evian experience consistently sets the standard for unique and special on tour, it's great to see Evian continue to be a leader in growing the economic opportunity for the best female golfers in the world," LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said in a statement.

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