Baby on the Way, $1 Million in the Bank: Ryann O’Toole Wins Major LPGA Bonus

Professional golfer Ryann O’Toole has received a million-dollar surprise just months before becoming a mother for the first time, winning the $1 million Aon Risk Reward Challenge for the 2026 LPGA Tour season.

The 39-year-old American secured the bonus despite playing a shortened season because of her pregnancy. Expecting her first child in January, O’Toole played her final tournament at the FM Championship in August but had already accumulated enough rounds to qualify for the challenge.

With only two tournaments remaining in the competition, none of her rivals can overtake her at the top of the standings, confirming her victory and the lucrative reward.

The Aon Risk Reward Challenge recognises players who perform best on designated risk-reward holes, typically par-5s, across the season. Rankings are determined by players' average scores on these selected holes, rewarding smart decision-making and the ability to take calculated risks.

O’Toole's improvement was remarkable. After finishing 125th in par-5 scoring on the LPGA Tour in 2025, she climbed to 11th place in 2026. Her career-best average driving distance of 270.6 yards also contributed to her impressive performance.

The $1 million prize represents a significant financial milestone for the golfer, who has one career LPGA Tour victory. Her previous most lucrative season was 2024, when she earned just over $629,000. Across her 15-year professional career, she has accumulated $4.7 million in earnings.

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler praised O’Toole for finishing on top despite a limited schedule, while managing her pregnancy and supporting her brother through recovery from a serious accident.

Aon's North America CEO Anne Corona also congratulated the golfer, highlighting her ability to assess risks and seize opportunities.

For O’Toole, the million-dollar achievement makes an already memorable year even more special as she and her partner, Gina, prepare to welcome their first child in January.