Greater Toledo Classic
The Greater Toledo Classic is a professional women's golf tournament held annually in the Toledo metropolitan area of Ohio, United States, featuring a unique dual-format event that combines the Epson Tour for emerging professionals with the Legends of the LPGA for veteran players.[1][2] Originally established in 1984 as an LPGA Tour event known as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, it has evolved through several name changes, including the Marathon Classic and most recently the Dana Open for its 2023 and 2024 editions, before adopting its current name for the 2025 iteration hosted by World Golf Hall of Famer Stacy Lewis.[3][4] The tournament traces its origins to local philanthropist Judd Silverman, who founded the event at Glengarry Country Club (now Stone Oak Country Club) to support children's charities in northwest Ohio, raising over $14.3 million for more than 200 local organizations since its inception through volunteer efforts and corporate sponsorships.[5][3] In 1988, it relocated to Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, where it has remained, hosting 36 LPGA Tour editions and establishing itself as a staple of women's professional golf in the region with a par-71 layout spanning 6,666 yards.[3][1] Over its four-decade history, the Greater Toledo Classic has showcased elite competition, producing multiple tournament records and notable victories, including five wins by South Korean legend Se Ri Pak (1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007) and two by New Zealand's Lydia Ko (2014, 2016), with the most recent LPGA champion being Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen in 2024.[3] The 2025 edition, held July 25–27, featured a groundbreaking 54-hole stroke-play format integrating 102 Epson Tour players and 42 Legends of the LPGA participants, who competed separately throughout, with mixed pairings in the final round to foster mentorship between generations of golfers; in its inaugural year, the Epson Tour division was won by amateur Mia Hammond at 12-under-par, while Angela Stanford claimed the Legends title in a playoff.[6][7] This shift honors the event's legacy while adapting to support the next generation of talent, continuing its commitment to charity with a $300,000 purse for the Epson Tour division and race points toward LPGA membership.[1][8]Overview
Tournament format
The Greater Toledo Classic, in its inaugural dual-tour edition in 2025, features a 54-hole stroke play format contested simultaneously by players from the Epson Tour and the Legends of the LPGA. The Epson Tour field consists of 102 developmental professionals and amateurs, primarily under the age of 45, competing for a $300,000 purse, while the 42-player Legends of the LPGA field comprises veteran LPGA Tour winners over the age of 45 vying for a $150,000 purse. The two groups play separate competitions over the first two rounds (36 holes total), after which the fields integrate for the final round with mentorship pairings of two Epson Tour players grouped with one Legends player to foster knowledge-sharing between emerging and established golfers. Pro-am events featuring celebrities and local participants precede the main tournament earlier in the week, adding to the community engagement. Historically, from 1984 to 2024, the event operated as a standard LPGA Tour stop in a 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes to the low 70 players and ties. It skipped editions in 1986 and 2011 due to scheduling conflicts with major championships, including the du Maurier Classic in 1986 and the U.S. Senior Open in 2011, which impacted local organizing resources in the Toledo area. Prize money for the LPGA era grew significantly over time, reaching a peak purse of $1.75 million in 2024 under its prior naming as the Dana Open. The transition to separate purses for the Epson Tour and Legends of the LPGA in 2025 reflects the event's evolution to support multiple developmental stages of women's professional golf while maintaining its commitment to competitive structure.Venue
The Greater Toledo Classic is held at Highland Meadows Golf Club, a private country club located in Sylvania, Ohio, a suburb approximately 10 miles northwest of downtown Toledo.[9] The club, originally designed by Harold Weber and opened in 1925, underwent a significant redesign of several holes by renowned architect Arthur Hills in 1994 to enhance playability while preserving its classic character.[10][11] This layout has become integral to the tournament's identity, offering a traditional parkland course with rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and strategic challenges that have tested professional golfers for decades. Highland Meadows has hosted the event continuously since 1989, following its relocation from Glengarry Country Club (now Stone Oak Country Club), where the tournament was held from 1984 to 1988.[3] Over this period, the club has accommodated 36 LPGA Tour events, establishing itself as a longstanding venue in women's professional golf in the Midwest.[3] The site's continuity underscores its significance, providing a familiar yet demanding test that contributes to the tournament's charitable legacy and community engagement in Northwest Ohio. The course measures 6,666 yards with a par of 71 for recent professional setups, including the 2024 LPGA edition and the 2025 Epson Tour event, with a par breakdown of 34 on the front nine and 37 on the back.[12][1] Yardages can vary slightly by year to suit the field, but the layout features bentgrass greens that are known for their speed and undulation, along with fairways of the same grass type.[13] Water hazards, primarily from Ten Mile Creek, come into play on multiple holes, including the ninth, tenth, and eighteenth, adding risk to approaches and requiring precise shot-making.[14] The closing 18th hole, a 395-yard par-4, exemplifies this with an elevated tee overlooking the creek along the left side and an uphill green protected by bunkers, often serving as a dramatic finish.[14] As a cornerstone of Northwest Ohio's golf scene, Highland Meadows supports the tournament through its comprehensive facilities, including a renovated driving range, practice putting green, short-game area, and clubhouse amenities that accommodate both professional competitors and spectators.[15] The club's proximity to Toledo facilitates easy access for local fans, enhancing the event's role in promoting women's golf and community involvement in the region.[16]History
LPGA Tour era
The Greater Toledo Classic was established in 1984 by Judd Silverman, a Toledo native and former PGA Tour caddie, as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, held at Glengarry Country Club in Holland, Ohio, and named in honor of local actor Jamie Farr, who lent his celebrity status to promote the event and attract sponsors. The inaugural purse totaled $175,000, drawing a field of 100 players and marking the first LPGA Tour event in the region.[3][17][18] The tournament skipped 1986 due to a scheduling conflict with the PGA Championship at nearby Inverness Club, resuming in 1987 with an increased purse of $225,000.[19][20] In 1989, the event relocated to Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, where it remained for the duration of its LPGA tenure, enhancing its prestige and logistical appeal.[3][21] Throughout its LPGA era, the tournament underwent several name and sponsor evolutions while retaining its community focus. It was known as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic from 1984 to 1996, followed by the Jamie Farr Kroger Classic (1997–2000) and Jamie Farr Kroger Classic Presented by ALLTEL (2001–2003). From 2004 to 2010, it became the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. The event took a hiatus in 2011 to accommodate the U.S. Senior Open at Inverness Club. It returned in 2012 as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic Presented by Kroger, Owens Corning and O-I. In 2013, Marathon Petroleum assumed title sponsorship, rebranding it the Marathon Classic Presented by Owens Corning and O-I through 2018, then simply the Marathon Classic from 2019 to 2021. The final LPGA iterations were as the Dana Open from 2022 to 2024, reflecting ongoing corporate support from local entities like Dana Incorporated.[22][21][23] Key milestones underscored the event's growth and impact. The purse first reached $1 million in 2010, rising to $1.3 million by 2012 to bolster field strength. Attendance consistently exceeded 100,000 spectators over the four tournament days in peak years, establishing it as a major draw in the Midwest. In total, 39 LPGA Tour editions were held from 1984 to 2024, excluding the two pauses.[18][24] The LPGA era also amplified charitable efforts, with cumulative donations reaching $14.3 million by 2024 to support over 200 children's organizations across Northwest Ohio and southern Michigan.[5] Notable LPGA winners included multiple champions like Penny Hammel, contributing to the event's legacy of competitive excellence.Format transition
In November 2024, Toledo Classic, Inc. announced the end of the tournament's affiliation with the LPGA Tour after 40 years, citing the tour's expanded schedule and logistical challenges as key factors in the decision.[25] The event was rebranded as the Greater Toledo Classic and positioned as a new professional tournament hosted by Stacy Lewis, a Toledo native and 13-time LPGA Tour winner with a major championship victory.[26] This shift aimed to sustain professional women's golf in the region while adapting to broader industry changes. The inaugural Greater Toledo Classic debuted from July 25 to 27, 2025, as a dual 54-hole stroke-play event co-sanctioned by the Epson Tour and the Legends of the LPGA, with the two fields competing separately for the first two rounds before integrating for a shared final round at Highland Meadows Golf Club.[1] A key feature was a mentorship program that paired Legends professionals with Epson Tour players, fostering knowledge transfer and networking opportunities between emerging and veteran golfers.[2] The format change was driven by the LPGA's increasing calendar—reaching 34 events in 2024—which strained scheduling for longstanding stops like Toledo, while also creating space to support developmental golf through the Epson Tour and senior competition via the Legends Tour. The event maintained its commitment to charity, building on decades of fundraising for local causes in northwest Ohio.[5] In its debut, the Epson Tour division was won by amateur Mia Hammond at 12-under-par 201, marking the first amateur victory on the tour in five years and highlighting the event's appeal to rising talent.[27] Angela Stanford captured the Legends of the LPGA title via a playoff, securing her second win of the season and underscoring the competitive draw for senior players.[28] The tournament attracted substantial local attendance and garnered positive media attention for its innovative dual structure, which blended generations of women's golf and emphasized community engagement.[29] Looking ahead, the Greater Toledo Classic is scheduled as an annual event through at least 2026, with organizers expressing optimism for its growth and potential future expansions, though no immediate plans for an LPGA return have been confirmed.[30]Winners
LPGA winners
The Greater Toledo Classic, during its LPGA Tour tenure from 1984 to 2024, featured 39 editions (excluding the non-played years of 1986 and 2011), with winners hailing from 12 countries and showcasing a blend of established stars and emerging talents. Se Ri Pak of South Korea holds the record for most victories with five (1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007), while three players secured two wins each: Penny Hammel (USA, 1985, 1989), Kelly Robbins (USA, 1994, 1997), and Lydia Ko (New Zealand, 2014, 2016). The complete list of LPGA winners is as follows:| Year | Winner | Nationality | Score (to par) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Lauri Merten | USA | 278 |
| 1985 | Penny Hammel | USA | 278 |
| 1987 | Jane Geddes | USA | 280 |
| 1988 | Laura Davies | England | 277 |
| 1989 | Penny Hammel | USA | 206 (-8) |
| 1990 | Tina Tombs | Canada | 205 (-8) |
| 1991 | Alice Miller | USA | 205 (-8) |
| 1992 | Patty Sheehan | USA | 209 (-4) |
| 1993 | Brandie Burton | USA | 201 (-12) |
| 1994 | Kelly Robbins | USA | 204 (-9) |
| 1995 | Kathryn Imrie | Scotland | 205 (-8) |
| 1996 | Joan Pitcock | USA | 204 (-9) |
| 1997 | Kelly Robbins | USA | 265 (-19) |
| 1998 | Se Ri Pak | South Korea | 261 (-23) |
| 1999 | Se Ri Pak | South Korea | 276 (-8) |
| 2000 | Annika Sörenstam | Sweden | 274 (-10) |
| 2001 | Se Ri Pak | South Korea | 269 (-15) |
| 2002 | Rachel Hetherington | Australia | 270 (-14) |
| 2003 | Se Ri Pak | South Korea | 271 (-13) |
| 2004 | Meg Mallon | USA | 277 (-7) |
| 2005 | Heather Bowie Young | USA | 274 (-10) |
| 2006 | Mi Hyun Kim | South Korea | 266 (-18) |
| 2007 | Se Ri Pak | South Korea | 267 (-17) |
| 2008 | Paula Creamer | USA | 268 (-16) |
| 2009 | Eunjung Yi | South Korea | 266 (-18) |
| 2010 | Na Yeon Choi | South Korea | 270 (-14) |
| 2012 | So Yeon Ryu | South Korea | 264 (-20) |
| 2013 | Beatriz Recari | Spain | 267 (-17) |
| 2014 | Lydia Ko | New Zealand | 269 (-15) |
| 2015 | Chella Choi | South Korea | 270 (-14) |
| 2016 | Lydia Ko | New Zealand | 270 (-14) |
| 2017 | In-Kyung Kim | South Korea | 263 (-21) |
| 2018 | Thidapa Suwannapura | Thailand | 270 (-14) |
| 2019 | Sei Young Kim | South Korea | 262 (-22) |
| 2020 | Danielle Kang | USA | 269 (-15) |
| 2021 | Nasa Hataoka | Japan | 194 (-19)* |
| 2022 | Gaby López | Mexico | 266 (-18) |
| 2023 | Linn Grant | Sweden | 263 (-21) |
| 2024 | Chanettee Wannasaen | Thailand | 264 (-20) |
Epson Tour and Legends winners
The inaugural Greater Toledo Classic in 2025 marked the debut of the dual-format event, featuring separate competitions for the Epson Tour and Legends of the LPGA, each with distinct leaderboards and purses to accommodate emerging professionals and seasoned veterans. On the Epson Tour side, 17-year-old amateur Mia Hammond from New Albany, Ohio, captured the title with a 12-under-par 201 over 54 holes at Highland Meadows Golf Club, edging out a trio of professionals by one stroke after birdieing the final hole.[27][36][29] This victory made Hammond the first amateur winner on the Epson Tour since 2020, highlighting her local connections as an Ohio resident competing just minutes from home.[27][37] Hammond's win, while ineligible for official prize money due to her amateur status, awarded her valuable season-long Race for the Card points, positioning her strongly for potential advancement to the LPGA Tour.[38] In contrast to the established stars of the former LPGA Tour era at this venue, Hammond represented the younger, developmental field of the Epson Tour. The event's structure, with the Epson field playing a full 54 holes despite weather delays, underscored the tour's focus on building future talent.[39] Meanwhile, the Legends of the LPGA division, reduced to 36 holes due to inclement weather on Saturday, saw Angela Stanford secure her fourth career victory on the tour with a 4-under-par total, defeating Laura Diaz in a sudden-death playoff that extended to two extra holes.[28][40] Stanford, a former LPGA Tour winner, birdied the second playoff hole to claim the inaugural Legends title at the event, showcasing her enduring competitiveness at age 47.[28] Beyond her on-course success, Stanford embraced a mentorship role, interacting with Epson Tour participants through shared practice sessions and social media content, fostering connections between the tours.[28] The $300,000 purse for the Epson Tour and $150,000 for the Legends of the LPGA emphasized the event's commitment to supporting both developmental and senior professional pathways, with Stanford's win earning her the top share while contributing to the tournament's potential as a model for future dual-format growth in women's golf.[4] This innovative setup not only highlighted Hammond's breakthrough and Stanford's experience but also signaled opportunities for expanded fan engagement and charitable impact in Toledo.[41]| Tour | Winner | Score | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Tour | Mia Hammond (a) | 12-under 201 | First amateur Epson win since 2020; local Ohio resident; earned Race for the Card points |
| Legends of the LPGA | Angela Stanford | 4-under (playoff win) | Fourth Legends victory; mentored younger players; defeated Laura Diaz in sudden-death |
Records
Scoring records
The Greater Toledo Classic, formerly known as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic and Marathon Classic during its LPGA Tour tenure from 1984 to 2024, has seen significant scoring achievements over its four-decade history, reflecting advancements in player skill, equipment, and course conditions. Early events (1984–1987) were held at Glengarry Country Club (par 72), while from 1988 onward it has been at Highland Meadows Golf Club, a par-71 layout.[3] The tournament's lowest 72-hole aggregate score is 261 (-23), set by Se Ri Pak in 1998 during her dominant nine-stroke victory, a mark that remains unmatched in the event's LPGA era. Pak's performance included a second-round 61, contributing to her total, and she holds a record five victories in the event (1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007).[21] In the tournament's inaugural 54-hole format used in the dual Legends of the LPGA and Epson Tour era starting in 2025, the lowest aggregate is 201 (-12), achieved by amateur Mia Hammond with rounds of 66-66-69 en route to her first professional-level win in the Epson Tour division. The Legends of the LPGA division in 2025 was shortened to 36 holes due to weather, with Angela Stanford winning at 9-under par (133) after a two-hole playoff victory over Laura Diaz.[27][28] Earlier 54-hole benchmarks include Nasa Hataoka's 194 (-19) in the rain-shortened 2021 LPGA edition.[3] Single-round scoring highlights feature Paula Creamer's course and tournament record of 60 (-11) in the opening round of the 2008 event, where she birdied nine of her final 11 holes to build momentum for her two-stroke victory.[42] Creamer followed with a 65 for a 36-hole total of 125 (-17), the lowest in tournament history.[43] On the higher end, the highest winning 72-hole score was 280 (-8) by Jane Geddes in 1987 at par-72 Glengarry Country Club. For full 72-hole events at par-71 Highland Meadows, the highest winning score was 277 (-7) by Laura Davies in 1988. For 54-hole formats, Patty Sheehan's 209 (-4) in 1992 represents the highest winning score.[3]| Record Type | Score (to Par) | Player | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 72-hole aggregate | 261 (-23) | Se Ri Pak | 1998 | Rounds: 71-61-63-66; won by 9 strokes |
| Lowest 36-hole aggregate | 125 (-17) | Paula Creamer | 2008 | Rounds: 60-65; led by 6 strokes |
| Lowest single round | 60 (-11) | Paula Creamer | 2008 (Rd 1) | 11 birdies, no bogeys |
| Highest winning 72-hole score | 280 (-8) | Jane Geddes | 1987 | At par-72 Glengarry Country Club; full field competition |
| Lowest 54-hole aggregate (post-2024 dual format) | 201 (-12) | Mia Hammond | 2025 | Rounds: 66-66-69; amateur winner, Epson Tour division |