Plenty in store for Northwest Ohio’s LPGA golf fans
The Marathon LPGA Classic Presented by Dana announced that a number of top LPGA players have committed to play in this year's tournament scheduled for July 11-14 at Highland Meadows Golf Club.
"Based on our sponsorship and ticket sales to date we're expecting record crowds this year which will hopefully translate into reaching our goal of raising $600,000 for 23 Northwest Ohio children's charities," state Tournament Director Judd Silverman.
Among 23 charities to benefit this year include the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Metroparks Connections Camps, Toledo Challenger Little League, International Boxing Club and Parker’s Purpose.
In 2018, the Toledo Classic, Inc., distributed $554,000 to 17 Northwest Ohio children’s charities and for the 33rd consecutive year, the tournament also awarded college scholarships to five area high school seniors.
Since 1984, the Marathon LPGA Classic has donated $11.8 million for 180 Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan children's charities.
Silverman says a week long list of activities fills the schedule.
“One thing the Marathon Classic has done, and this will be our third year — we have a Women’s Summit that will happen on Tuesday afternoon,” Silverman said. “We will have over 400 Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan business women who will attend the summit. This year’s theme is ‘Chipping Away at Unconscious Bias.’ So, again, adversity and inclusion is the theme. It’s just one of many events that will happen in Toledo and at Highland Meadows the week of the Marathon Classic.”
The Third Annual Women’s Summit Presented by Owens Corning will take place in the Champions Pavilion. Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Sudanese-born author, broadcaster, social advocate and digital influencer with a background in mechanical engineering will be keynote speaker. She will be joined by a panel of local professionals and LPGA player Lizette Salas.
“There will be a party on Tuesday night in downtown Toledo, a women’s summit, and of course, a golf tournament which we raised the purse this year up to $1.75 million. It will go up again next year to $1.85 million, and in 2021 it will go to $2 million. And, good for the USGA at the U.S. Open increasing that first place prize to $1 million — that’s pretty neat,” Silverman said.
The “19th Hole—A Party with the Players” will be held downtown at the Huntington Center. The party will have a country theme with food provided by Real Seafood Company, The Chop House, Ciao! and Zia’s. There will be two musical acts from Nashville, Tennessee performing and a silent auction with more than 60 items to choose from.
The Putts ‘N Pars Family Zone will be for family members of all ages. Enjoy various activities with the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, Dave & Buster’s Fun Patrol and a Tournament Scavenger Hunt. The Family Fun Zone is located behind the volunteer tent between holes 1 and 10. Annual Mascot Day is Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.
To support this year's tournament, patrons can purchase tickets at Toledo area Kroger stores (two for one on weekly grounds tickets) or online at www.marathonclassic.com.
The 2019 Marathon LPGA Classic will once again provide free admittance to all active and retired police officers, firefighters and military personnel along with one guest. Kids under the age of 17 will also be admitted free into the tournament as long as they are accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Anyone interested in volunteering for this year's tournament should contact the tournament office at 419-531-3277.
All active or retired first responders and military members will receive free admission for themselves and one guest to this year’s tournament. Seniors (age 55-plus) get free parking and ground passes on Thursday, July 11 for Kroger Senior Day. Seniors can purchase a weekly grounds pass for half price, $30.