LPGA Announces 2011 Tournament Dates

 GALLOWAY, NJ  – Tim Erensen, Executive Director of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, has officially announced the tournament dates for 2011.  The famed Ladies Professional Golf Association event is scheduled for Monday, May 30, 2011 through Sunday, June 5, 2011 on the historic Bay Course at Seaview – A Dolce Resort. The 54-hole official tournament will offer a $1.5M purse and will be televised on The Golf Channel.

“2010 saw the triumphant return of the ShopRite LPGA Classic to the Jersey shore,” stated Erensen. “We are thrilled to announce our new dates and an extended and expanded relationship with our partners at Seaview Resort and the resort’s new owner The Richard Stockton College of NJ. We look forward to once again bring world class entertainment to the market place,” added Erensen. 

With this event, ShopRite continues its partnership with the LPGA and its tradition of charitable giving. Since the 1990s, ShopRite has donated more than $23 million to charities by sponsoring LPGA tournaments. Donations are made to charitable organizations in ShopRite's trading area, aiding hospitals, food banks, educational institutions and other agencies.

“On behalf of all of our ShopRite stores, I am pleased that we are able to give back so much to our local communities,” said Joseph Colalillo, Chairman and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp, the marketing and distribution arm for ShopRite.  “This year we raised a record $1.184M for worthy organizations and we look forward to continuing our ongoing tradition of offering great golf for a great cause.”

Originally known as the Atlantic City Classic, the tournament began in 1986 and was played at several courses near Atlantic City with the first two and last 10 years played at Seaview.  The tournament was officially changed to the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 1992 when Wakefern
Food Corporation became the title sponsor.  One of the most popular stops on the LPGA Tour, the ShopRite LPGA Classic has drawn, and crowned as champions, some of the greatest names in women’s professional golf including Juli Inkster, Nancy Lopez, Betsy King, Annika Sorenstam and 2010 Champion Ai Miyazato.

"We are delighted the ShopRite LPGA Classic is returning to Seaview's historic Bay Course," Stockton President Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. said. "In addition to showcasing this magnificent facility and the great professionals of the LPGA Tour, the Classic's charitable contributions helped thousands in our community, including providing scholarships to deserving students."