ShopRite LPGA Classic- An Exciting Field Heads to NJ
One couldn’t wish for a better field than the one that will gather for the ShopRite LPGA Classic. 24 of the top 25 top LPGA players are expected to compete in one of the best LPGA events of the season.
For the ninth consecutive year, the ShopRite LPGA Classic returns to the Bay Course at the Seaview Resort, a Marriott Resort. Located in Galloway Township, just outside of Atlantic City, this marks the 21st year that the LPGA returns to the south Jersey area.
Annika Sorenstam aims to repeat her strong performance of 2005, when she dueled in the final round with veterans Juli Inkster and Laura Davies. Only a tremendous birdie-eagle finish gave her a third win at the ShopRite Classic. Annika’s 54-hole total of 17-under par 196 equaled her own tournament scoring- record established in 1998.
Annika has been one of the most dominant players in recent golf history. Her Hall-of-Fame career now totals 67 victories (including her three ShopRite titles). 43 of these titles have come in the past 5 years.
While some might think that her sole victory in 2006 is an indication of her slowing down, Sorenstam is optimistic about her chances at this year’s tournament.
“It’s pretty much am old-fashioned, links style course,” said Sorenstam at a recent telephone interview during Media Day. “ It’s narrow with small greens. It’s all about hitting good approach shots. That’s always been my strength.”
Sorenstam, along with the rest of the field will have to deal with some new re-routing on the Bay Course. While the holes haven’t changed, the order has. Holes 9 through 17 are now routed so that the par 3’s and par 5’s are more strategically placed.
“The purpose of the changes is to create a better flow for both players and spectators,” said Steve Schaller, Seaview’s new Director of Golf. “By positioning the 1st and 10th tees closer together, it will be much easier logistically for everyone.”
The $1.5 million purse, with the winner receiving $225,000, makes the tournament one of the richest three-day events on the LPGA Tour. The purse has tripled in 13 years and quadrupled in 14 years. Many consider it the fifth Major on the ladies tour.
What most people are not aware of is the tournament’s strong commitment to charity. This commitment would not be possible without its long relationship and support from its many sponsors, including the title sponsor the Wakefern Food Corporation/ ShopRite.
Over the past 20-years, the tournament has been able to raise nearly $12 million in contributions for over 55 charities. In 2005, the tournament donated a record $1.8 million to charity, more than any other LPGA event.
A small sample of the tournament’s charity beneficiaries include: The First Tee of Greater Atlantic City, Birdies fore Babies, Alzheimer’s Association, Deborah Hospital, Food Bank of New York City, Gilda’s Club, Long Island Cares, Inc., Ronald McDonald House, St. Barnabas Medical Center Foundation, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Yale University School of Medicine.
The ShopRite Classic enjoys a long and successful list of former Champions. Like Sorenstam, Betsy King has won the event three times. In its twenty-one year history,
three LPGA Hall of Famers (King, Nancy Lopez and Juli Inkster) have captured eight ShopRite Classic titles.
While this year’s tournament might not see the return of the young-phenom Michelle Wie, the tournament still boasts an outstanding list of players, including Cristie Kerr (2004 winner and winner of the recent Franklin American Mortgage Championship), Se-Re Pak and Karrie Webb (winner of the 2006 Nabisco Championship).
Most of the biggest names on the “These Girls Rock” LPGA Tour are coming – including young players like Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Christina Kim, US Open champion Birdie Kim, and international superstars Lorena Ochoa (Mexico), Ai Miyazato (Japan) and Hee-Won Han (South Korea).
There are also many veteran players expected to be in the field this year including Inkster, Davies, Pat Hurst, former ShopRite winners Angela Stanford and Janice Moodie.
While the championship rounds will be played Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4, tournament week is always marked by several other exciting events.
On Tuesday May 23, the annual Women’s Forum will feature Ivanka Trump. Besides being formerly married to “The Donald,” Ivanka is a CEO, author and entrepreneur in her own right. She is currently working on a new book and realty show. The sold-out luncheon will be held at the Seaview Resort and Spa, a Marriott resort.
Tournament week starts with the Qualifying and Practice Rounds beginning on Monday morning, May 30. The Pro-Am competitions will take place Tuesday and Wednesday.
Late Tuesday afternoon, youngsters can participate in the popular LPGA Junior Clinic at the Seaview Resort practice range. Junior golfers, ages 7-15, can receive instruction and tips from the LPGA professions. Admission is fee.
On Wednesday evening, the annual Taste of the LPGA takes place at the Atlantic City Convention Center, where LPGA players will serve as “apprentice” chefs. Dave Lieberman of the Food Network Fame will be the celebrity chef at this year’s event. Lieberman is one of the youngest (at age 26) and most exciting new chefs to be featured on television. This year’s event should be particularly interesting, as Annika has always expressed a strong interest in cooking.
All three tournament rounds will be carried on television by ESPN2.
Tickets are still available for most of the events and Championship rounds. Admission is free to all children 15 and under who are accompanied by a ticketed adult.
This is a wonderful day-trip from the city or even nice weekend adventure to watch, play golf and maybe catch a little Atlantic City action. There are several terrific daily-fee golf courses within a short distance of the Seaview, including the Atlantic City Country Club.
The home of many golf “firsts,” Atlantic City Country Club was once an exclusive country club and has just opened its doors to the general public. Greens fee range between $125-$200, depending on the day and tee time.
From the New York area to the Seaview, take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 48 and follow signs to the Richard Stockton College. Parking will be available at the college for a $5 parking fee.
Call the tournament office at (609) 383-8330 for additional ticket information or visit their website, www.shopritelpga.org for details.
