BELMONT, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Jennifer Kupcho Sunday claimed the title at the LPGA event played this past weekend outside Grand Rapids, as the event surpassed its fundraising goal to raise $1.25 million to feed families in need.
Kupcho joins the list of past champions to hoist the crystal on the 18th green of Blythefield Country Club as the winner of the 2022 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give.
Tournament officials Monday announced the event generated $1.25 million for the Meijer Simply Give program, surpassing its already increased goal. The donation will help stock the shelves of 262 food pantries the retailer partners with across the Midwest as they experience greater need amidst ongoing economic challenges. Including this year’s event, the Meijer LPGA Classic has generated $8.65 million for Simply Give.
“In so many ways, this was our best tournament yet,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “Our community has always played a major role in the success of this event, but for them to rally around this cause and help us not just meet, but surpass an ambitious goal, is incredibly humbling. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of the players, community and volunteers who made this week possible.”
In the second victory of her LPGA career, the 25-year-old Wake Forest University alum shot 71 Sunday to finish at 18-under 270 and prevailed in a two-hole play-off against Leona Maguire (65) and defending Champion Nelly Korda (72). Kupcho said the local community played a major role in her tournament experience, specifically thanking her Grand Rapids host family for their support.
The tournament also brought record-setting attendance this year to watch an elite international field of 144 players headlined by nine of the world’s 10 best golfers compete.
In addition to the $1.25 million raised by this year’s event, Meijer will donate $25,000 to a hunger relief organization of Kupcho’s choice as part of a tradition the retailer started in 2021. Last year’s winner, Nelly Korda, chose to keep her inaugural donation local to the tournament by supporting Kids’ Food Basket in Grand Rapids, Mich. Details on Kupcho’s donation will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Meijer LPGA Classic will return to Blythefield Country Club for Father’s Day weekend next year, June 15-18, 2023.
