The 12th Meijer LPGA Classic, featuring world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul and defending champion Carlota Ciganda, will take place June 18-21 at Blythefield Country Club in Michigan, with proceeds supporting the Meijer Simply Give program to combat food insecurity. The tournament, which has raised $13 million for food pantries since 2008, includes a $3.25 million purse and 144 players, including amateurs and past champions like Brooke Henderson and Lexi Thompson. Golfweek and The Detroit News provided details on the field, while Yahoo highlighted the event’s community impact.
Tournament Structure and Community Impact
The Meijer LPGA Classic, held annually at Blythefield since 2014, is one of the LPGA’s most community-focused events. Daily grounds tickets are $10, with free entry for children 17 and under, and the tournament’s $3.25 million purse supports the Meijer Simply Give program. Since 2008, the initiative has raised $13 million for food pantries, including the North End Community Ministry (NECM) in Grand Rapids, which relies heavily on donations from the program. “Without them, we could do very little,” said NECM executive director Laura Castle, noting the pantry serves “some of the most impoverished people in North East Grand Rapids.” Yahoo reported that NECM’s Client-Choice Food Pantry allows recipients to select their own groceries, emphasizing dignity and choice.
The event also includes a community 5K to offset food consumed at the food pavilion, where Meijer chefs and local restaurants offer all-you-can-eat options. Meijer aims to raise an additional $1.5 million through the tournament, which runs through June 21. “We couldn’t be more proud to be able to do this and with great partners… we’re just blessed to be able to do something like this,” said a Meijer representative during a pantry tour. Golfweek noted the event’s family-friendly atmosphere, with “kids and families” a key focus.
Player Perspectives and Historical Context
The 144-player field includes five top-10-ranked golfers, such as Hannah Green (No. 6) and Lottie Woad (No. 7), as well as past champions like Brooke Henderson, who holds the 72-hole scoring record of 263 at Blythefield. Defending champion Carlota Ciganda, who won in 2025, called the course “a lot like home in Spain,” praising its “trees, the grass” and strategic layout. “It’s good for long hitters,” she said, citing the five par-5s and challenging doglegs. Golfweek highlighted Ciganda’s confidence, noting her third LPGA victory at the event.
Jeeno Thitikul, the world’s No. 2 player, is seeking momentum ahead of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
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