For the past 40 years the LPGA has staged an event in Toledo, Ohio. That will change in 2025, as a new dual event featuring the Epson Tour and Legends of the LPGA comes to the northwest Ohio community, the tour has announced.
Former No. 1 Stacy Lewis, a Toledo native, will host the event.
“It’s an honor to lend my name to this event and keep professional golf and the LPGA in Toledo,” said Lewis, a 13-time winner on the LPGA and two-time Solheim Cup captain.
“Most importantly, this event will celebrate our past while preparing our future stars for the LPGA Tour. In addition to the 54-hole tournament, we plan on having events for the Legends players to spend time with the Epson Tour players to take advantage of a great mentorship opportunity. We hope the relationships extend far beyond the week of the tournament. The new event is also a fantastic opportunity for the wonderful golf fans in the Toledo area to come see some familiar faces from the past 40 years.”
Morgan Pressel lines up a birdie putt on the first playoff hole during the final round of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club on July 5, 2009 in Sylvania, Ohio.
The Jamie Farr Toledo Classic first launched in 1984. Actor Jamie Farr of “M*A*S*H” fame had his named attached to the tournament until 2012. Seri Pak is a five-time winner of the event. Lydia Ko is one of three players who have won it twice. The event has been contested at Highland Meadows Golf Club since 1989 and has raised $14.3 million for 215 Toledo area children’s charities.
Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen won the 2024 edition.
A decade ago, the Chico’s Patty Berg Memorial brought members of the Epson Tour and Legends together for a similar event at Cypress Lake Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida.
“After 40 years, we thought it was time to try something different that will bring back many of the players that have competed in Toledo over the years along with the up-and-coming future stars of the LPGA,” said tournament director Judd Silverman, who founded the event back in 1984.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Stacy for agreeing to serve as tournament host. Her exceptional leadership has been on full display the past two years as captain of the U.S. Solheim Cup team. Her presence will be a huge benefit to the younger Epson Tour players.”
The field will feature 102 Epson Tour players and 42 LPGA Legends players who will play with their respective tours for the first two rounds. Following the 36-hole cut, for the final round, the tours will be integrated. An official name for the tournament and purses will be announced at a later date.