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The Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan remains a premier golf tournament, attracting large crowds and strong player support. Lexi Thompson praised the event as one of her favorites, highlighting its world-class hospitality.
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Belmont — The Meijer LPGA Classic is the longest-running golf tournament in Michigan, among the major pro tours. And there are no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The Meijer always has some of the largest galleries among the non-major stops on the LPGA. And last year, the Meijer said it had its largest attendance yet. The west Michigan community continues to be fully invested in the LPGA, and in return, the players are bought in on west Michigan, too.
"I can truly say this is one of my favorite events on the schedule, probably my favorite," Lexi Thompson, an 11-time LPGA winner, including champion of the 2015 Meijer LPGA Classic, said at Blythefield Country Club just outside Grand Rapids on Tuesday. "We just receive the best hospitality at this event.
"It's truly top-notch — a world-class event."
LPGA star Lexi Thompson speaks with reporters at Meijer LPGA Classic media day at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
It's such a fun event for Thompson, 31, that when she decided to step back from full-time playing last year to focus on starting a family, she still made it a point to play in the Meijer.
Thompson finished tied for fourth last summer, three strokes behind champion Carlota Ciganda. Thompson and Ciganda are among the early headliner commitments for the 2026 Meijer, set again for Father's Day weekend, June 18-21, in what will cap a two-week run for the LPGA in Michigan. The Dow Championship is set for the week before, June 11-14, at Midland Country Club.
This will be the 12th playing of the Meijer, which first was played in 2014 (it skipped 2020, the COVID year).
"The way that Grand Rapids has embraced this event is really special," said Casey Ceman, vice president of tournament business affairs for the LPGA. "It's kind of a beacon of light for all of the events on the LPGA."
The Meijer LPGA Classic is celebrated for its exceptional hospitality and large galleries, making it a favorite among players and fans.
The Meijer LPGA Classic is the longest-running golf tournament in Michigan, continuing to thrive among major pro tours.
Lexi Thompson is an 11-time LPGA winner who described the Meijer LPGA Classic as one of her favorite events, praising its hospitality.
Last year, the Meijer LPGA Classic recorded its largest attendance to date, showcasing strong community support.
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The Meijer LPGA Classic has raised more than $13 million its chief charity, Simply Give, which provides funding for more than 600 food pantries in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. That's equated to more than 102 million meals. Last year, the Meijer raised more than $1.5 million for Simply Give, and $1.5 million is the goal again.
Meijer kickstarted the charity drive with a $250,000 donation Tuesday.
The tournament's chief charity mission has never been more important than it is right now, amid rising food costs, Meijer and Meijer LPGA Classic officials said during a media-day event Tuesday.
"It's really a powerful reminder for us what happens when our community comes together," said Cathy Cooper, executive director of the Meijer LPGA Classic.
Said Meijer president and CEO Rick Keyes: "This is really about more than just golf."
The field for the 2026 Meijer LPGA Classic still is being finalized, but Cooper said that six of the top 10 players in the world golf rankings are committed. There are 20 former major champions, too, including Thompson.
Daily tickets start at $10, with details at lpgameijerclassic.com.
▶ When: June 18-21
▶ Where: Blythefield Country Club, Belmont
▶ 2025 champion: Carlota Ciganda
▶ Tickets: Starting at $10; details at meijerlpgaclassic.com
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Meijer LPGA Classic still a 'world-class event' for competitors