The 12th annual Meijer LPGA Classic took place this past weekend at Blythefield Country Club in West Michigan. The weekend-long event finished on Sunday as one of the most memorable events to date, both on and off the course.

Heading into Sunday’s final round, Japanese golfer Miyu Yamashita was five strokes off the lead. The 24-year-old would need to play nearly flawless golf to have a chance at winning the tournament, and she delivered just that, shooting a tournament low of 64. 

Meanwhile, Lottie Woad, who was looking for her second win of the season, remained near the top of the leaderboard entering Sunday. The English golfer started the day just one stroke off the lead and continued her outstanding performance, shooting a four under 68 in the final round.

Yamashita and Woad each finished their 72nd hole tied at 17 under par, forcing a sudden-death playoff. On the first extra hole, Yamashita sank a birdie putt on Hole 18 to win her third career event on the LPGA Tour. She also became the fourth player from Asia to win the event and the first since 2018. 

“I know today is Father's Day and I really wanted to win on this special day,” Yamashita said following her win. “That gave me a little extra motivation out there and helped drive me throughout the round.”

That wasn’t the only celebration taking place during the event last weekend, as the Meijer LPGA Classic made a major impact on the local economy. The tournament brought thousands of people to Blythefield Country Club and achieved its fundraising goal by raising $1.5 million to support food pantries across the Midwest. Throughout the years, the event has helped provide food to families in need in partnership with local food pantries and hunger-relief organizations. In addition to the fundraising, Meijer also donated $25,000 to a hunger-relief shelter chosen by winner Miyu Yamashita. 

From Yamashita’s impressive comeback, to weeklong fundraising success, the 12th annual Meijer LPGA Classic created unforgettable memories for everyone in attendance. The tournament’s support for hunger relief and its showcase of world-class golf showed again why it is one of West Michigan’s premier sporting events. 

The Meijer LPGA Classic is scheduled to return in 2027, bringing championship golf back to West Michigan. Dates have yet to be announced, but it is expected to be back at Blythefield Country Club.

_{Photo courtesy of the LPGA.}