Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan still a 'world-class event' for competitors

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."