Jennifer Kupcho Wins Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give on Second Playoff Hole
By Tom Lang
BELMONT – The 72-hole Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give took 74 holes to decide on Father’s Day, but the ultimate winners were Jennifer Kupcho and her $375,000 payday, and Midwest area food banks that will benefit from the record $1.25 million raised for the Simply Give program.
Both Kupcho and defending champ Nelly Korda, who had been out of competitive golf for nearly four months recovering from blood clot surgery, both played modestly in the final round, allowing Leona Maguire to play catch up with a 7-under par final round as all three players finished deadlocked at 18-under par for the four rounds. It was the first time the event has had a three-way playoff and the area surrounding the 18th green was packed.
After playing the 18th hole in the playoff, Kupcho and Maguire each birdied, while Korda three-putted the par five hole to drop out of sudden death. Kupcho made a birdie putt again the second time and Maguire missed hers to give Kupcho her second LPGA Tour win this season. With her winning Meijer check she has surpassed $1.3 million this season and $2.8 million for her early career.
The tournament proceeds of $1.25 million 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.”
Kupcho said the local community played a major role in her tournament experience, specifically thanking her Grand Rapids host family for their support.
“The crowds were huge… They always are (here),” she said. “I think Grand Rapids does a great job bringing awareness to the LPGA.”
The tournament recorded record-setting attendance this year with its elite international field of 144 players headlined by nine of the world’s top 10 golfers.
“On behalf of Meijer and everyone at the tournament, we congratulate our newest Champion Jennifer Kupcho,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “We’re honored to once again name such a high caliber professional as our Champion and commend her for an exciting and strong performance through the very end.”
Kupcho improved her standing each year she has played in Grand Rapids. In 2019 she was T23. After no event in 2020 due to Covid-19’s cancelation, Kupcho was T10 last year. Now she’s a champion along with past champions Brooke M. Henderson (twice) and Lexi Thompson among others.
