Top players to play for $3 million purse
LPGA TOURNEY at Wilshire Country Club features top women players from around the world.
Wilshire Country Club to host LPGA tournament April 27-30
The world’s top female golfers soon will descend upon the historic course at Wilshire Country Club (WCC) for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournament.
They will be competing for a $3 million purse at the tournament, being held Thurs., April 27, through Sun., April 30.
“We’re looking forward. We’re very excited and ecstatic,” said John Shipka, chair of the WCC LPGA Committee. “The [sponsors] have stepped up” to double the size of the purse — the largest for an LPGA event outside of the majors.
The 72-hole tournament will feature 144 women golfers “from all over the world.
Every corner of this planet,” said David Tucker, vice president of Outlyr, the LPGA tournament operator. “They love the course [at Wilshire Country Club]; they love the community.” And, of course, the lofty purse is a major draw. “It’s attractive,” Tucker added.
While COVID-19 put a “wrench in our trajectory… we’re coming back stronger with a new title and a new sponsor,” Tucker added.
While the LPGA Tour has staged its signature Los Angeles event at Wilshire Country Club since 2018, this is the inaugural JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro LPGA event.
Manufacturing companies JM Eagle and Plastpro serve as title and presenting sponsor, respectively.
“I think the passion for golf inspired Walter and Shirley [to raise the winnings],” said Shipka, referring to Walter Wang, CEO of JM Eagle, the world’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer. Shirley Wang is founder of Plastpro, a leading manufacturer of fiberglass entry doors.
Unique to this area in the world of golf tournaments is that many neighbors host players at their homes. “This community has opened up its doors to a lot of players, some of whom, during the tournament, can walk to the course … which is phenomenal,” said Tucker.
Added viewing areas
New this year, spectators and guests will get an even better, up-close look with added viewing areas as golfers play on the historic course, which opened in 1919.
Upgraded food and beverage hospitality also is new to the menu.
Registration for volunteer opportunities also is open.
Single-day and weekly grounds passes as well as upgraded hospitality ticket options are available when purchased in advance.
Tickets can also be purchased at Will Call during tournament week, pending availability.
Outlyr and the LPGA have partnered with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and will offer free admission on Thurs., April 27, to all guests who donate three or more nonperishable, non-expired food cans at the admissions tent.
Also, in partnership with the Southern California PGA, a youth clinic for inner-city youth will be held the week of the tournament.
Visit lpga.com for tickets and more information.
U.S. Open is back at Los Angeles Country Club
Close by (and for the first time in 75 years), the United States Open Championship (US Open) returns to Los Angeles in June.
Registration is underway for the 123rd national golf championship taking place on June 15-18 at the Los Angeles Country Club, 10101 Wilshire Blvd., and continues through Wed., April 12.
For tickets and more information, visit champs.usga.org.
Local qualifying rounds take place between April 17 and May 22. For more information, visit usopen.com.
As of 2022, the US Open awards a $17.5 million purse, the largest of the four major golf championships.
It was way back in 1948 that golf great Ben Hogan won the first of his four U.S. Opens with a 72-hole score of 276 (8 under par — two strokes better than Jimmy Demaret) at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.
Hogan is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
And with that, let the games begin and more history be made.
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