When the LPGA announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give would not be held in October it disappointed many fans. But the cancelation of the tourney had positive ramifications for the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented By Acer held in Galloway, New Jersey on the Bay Course at the Seaview, a Dolce Hotel.
The ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, previously postponed from its May date because of the pandemic, was rescheduled for Oct. 2-4, the dates opened by the cancellation of the Meijer LPGA Classic.
“Not playing the Meijer LPGA Classic is disappointing, but I am very excited that our partners at Meijer have extended their contract with the LPGA and that we’ll be coming back to Grand Rapids (Michigan) even further into the future,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “The flexibility and understanding from both Meijer and the leadership at ShopRite speak volumes to their dedication to our LPGA athletes and their charitable efforts. We look forward to visiting the Jersey Shore in October and continuing an incredible tradition of great championships and giving back to the local community.”
Bill Hansen, ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer Tournament Director, said that like other sports leagues and events, the LPGA is taking direction from health organizations and governing bodies on a return to play.
“The health and safety of our players and fans come first, so considering our original dates were in late May that meant very little deliberation took place,” said Hansen. “We’re living in uncertain times so there have definitely been doubts, at times, but we feel our postponement until early October gives us a great chance to host a successful event in 2020. By taking cues from heath organizations and governing bodies, the decision was largely made for us to move to October. As far as conducting this tournament in the fall, there are all kinds of considerations such as course availability, playability and lodging needs. We have been fortunate in that everything has lined up very well for us.”
Hansen said tournament officials have “worked side by side” with the LPGA, ShopRite, Seaview and other partners throughout the process and all have been supportive. “Sponsors are definitely on board. The fall season is a great time for golf in New Jersey and our partners are excited to come out and experience the tournament a little later in the year. The weather should be perfect, so we’re gearing up for a great event..”
Organizers are planning for a full event, which includes the World’s Largest Pro-Am and welcoming fans to the course, said Hansen, while following the recommended guidance of health organizations.
Hansen is confident that “We’ll pull off a smooth event because we’ve been doing it for many years. We’re also fortunate in that our event is being held in early October, so we have the ability to learn from the best practices of both LPGA and PGA Tour events, as well as all of professional sports.”
Last year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic was won by Lexi Thompson, whose calm demeanor paid off as she finished birdie-par-eagle on her last three holes in the final round on Sunday, and made a 20-foot putt for the eagle at the 18th to win the $1.75 million event on the Bay Course by one stroke over Jeongeun Lee.
This year’s 54-hole event, which carries 500 points in the Race to the CME Globe for the winner, has a total purse of $2 million. The Donald Ross-designed Bay Course plays 6,217 yards for the LPGA pros with a par of 71. The event was held from 1986 to 2006 and returned to the schedule in 2010.
For tickets and other information visit www.ShopRiteLPGAClassic.com.