ShopRite LPGA Classic now underway
June 7, 2024
The ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer returns to Seaview Resort in Galloway, NJ with a 54-hole contest June 7-9.
This is the New Jersey supermarket chain’s 30th anniversary as lead sponsor, a record unmatched by any current LPGA tournament. The event also raised over $40 million for local charities.
The popular tournament is a short ride up the Garden State Parkway from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, with $20 one-day tickets available online at shopritelpgaclassic.com. Televised coverage is on Peacock and The Golf Channel.
Notes from the U.S. Women’s Open
A giant old-fashioned scoreboard welcomed thousands of excited golf fans to the entrance for the United States Women’s Open, held at Lancaster Country Club May 29-June 2.
Caleb and Rob Smith
Each day hundreds took selfies under the board, including Rob and Caleb Smith of Ephrata, PA.
Caleb is a shy third grader at Lancaster County Christian School. He is still finding his way when it comes to his choice of sports. “I tried baseball, but I didn’t like it,” he said. “And I also played mini golf.”
His dad said Caleb is now thinking of taking up the real thing.
I noticed Rob’s hat. “Oh, yeah. We stay in Rehoboth, usually at one of the hotels like Hampton. Nice place. We go every summer.”
Dad saw their Women’s Open outing as an opportunity. “We had talked about coming and then I heard yesterday that they weren’t going to be coming back through for a number of years. So, we just figured, you know what, now’s the time. It’s great that they have junior tickets for kids so that really worked out well, too,” he said.
They had no set agenda.
“We’re going to roam, we’re going to enjoy it, enjoy the sun, all that stuff. I’m going to be exhausted. I told him, we’re going to be doing some walking today, bud,” he said.
The Smiths are novices to golf tournaments. “We’ve never been to a similar event. We’ve been to other professional sports, and we try to get to a few, but this is the first time for golf. We’re looking forward to it, it’s a perfect day for it,” Smith said.
Two couples from York, PA also took selfies below the scoreboard.
Cheryl and Glenn Rowland and Jayne and Jeff Limm used the shuttle system from nearby Airport Road and were pleased with the access option.
When the first Lancaster USWO in 2015 drew over 100,000 fans, the record-setting attendance led to a quick agreement to return. That led to improved off-site access arrangements compared to nine years ago.
Cheryl Rowland said it was the couples’ first time at LCC or any Women’s Open. Glenn Rowland said he was impressed by several things: “Just the energy, the enthusiasm in the area that it was coming, and the local media was also playing it up.”
None of them admitted to having any favorites to win the USWO, but they were glad to see what they could on the sprawling, beautiful property.
Near the third tee box later that day I met four golf buddies who traveled down from Allentown, PA to watch the show.
Mary Kay McMahon was the only USGA Championship veteran, having once gone to Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem, PA years ago. She and Laura Long, Lisa Hazler, and Tammy Marushak usually play public courses in the Lehigh Valley.
We discussed the term “avid golfers.” Long quickly agreed that her routine of two rounds per week easily put her in that category. “It’s fun golf,” she said, “But we’re also bad,” and then she laughed.
McMahon said her primary goal when playing is to make one par per round.
McMahon echoed the sentiments of their group as she said, “We love this place. It’s wonderful. The course is gorgeous. Besides, we should always support women in golf. And we’re also amazed that there’s so much going on behind the scenes to make it all happen.”
Rookery ace
Barbara Hires
Congratulations to Rookery Women’s Golf Association member Barbara Hires for her May 29 hole in one at The Rookery’s 17th hole.
She used a Callaway hybrid club and a Kirkland Signature golf ball for her 115-yard ace.
Local club competition results
The Mulligan’s Pointe Ladies League played a Two Person Team game June 4.
Susan Shockley and M.L. York won first place, with Kathy Hudak and Carol MacFawn in second. Brenda Joyce and Kay Monack took third.
The Kings Creek CC Ladies 9-Hole League played a Team Shamble June 4.
Marie Murray, Debbie Grant, Tish Brey, and Terry Barrera won first place. Kelly Brown, Deborah Chase, Alicia Polsky, and Farah Englert took second. Lesley Corydon, Deborah Hinderer, Barbara Morales, and Nancy Derrickson finished third.
The Kings Creek CC Ladies 18-Hole group played a 2 of 4 Better Ball Shamble May 30.
Jean Chlastawa, Gail Bender, Kathy Casey and Ruth Lauver won first place. Diane Shawyer, Candy Robinson, Ana Dittel and Gail Letts took second, with Donna Deely, Lisa Smith, Kathleen Nilles and Maggie Whall (Blind Draw) finishing third.