The schedule announced from the Tour's headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida, features two new events on the US West Coast.

The season's five major championships will be worth $18 million in prize money. Once again the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California, will be the first major of the year, running from March 29-April 1.

The US Women's Open will be held from May 31 through June 3 at Shoal Creek in Alabama, the tournament moving from its former July slot.

The Women's PGA Championship returns to Illinois, running from June 28-July 1 at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Chicago.

From August 2-5 Royal Lytham and St. Annes hosts the Women's British Open and the final major of the year, the Evian Championship in France, will be held from September 13-16.

The season tees off with the Pure Silk Bahamas Classic from January 25-28 and concludes with the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, from November 15-18.

In addition to two new California events, a new tournament has been scheduled for Shanghai from October 18-21.

The new events come as two tournaments have been dropped from the schedule.

"Perhaps the most important aspect of our schedule is the consistency -- continuing to deliver strong playing opportunities both in North America and around the world, while growing overall purse levels every year," LPGA commissioner Michael Whan said in a statement.

"It's an exciting time in women's golf, with the best players from every corner of the globe competing against each other in virtually every event."