There will be plenty of opportunities to see your favourite LPGA stars in action if you happen to be in California over the coming weeks. The JTBC Classic (24-27 March) in San Diego is rapidly approaching, and the following week the Tour heads to Rancho Mirage for the first major on the 2022 calendar, the Chevron Championship (31 March – 3 April). After a brief sojourn to Hawaii for the Lotte Championship (13-16 April), the players will return to the Golden State for 2 more events. Those events – both held in Los Angeles – mark the first time in LPGA Tour history that back-to-back tournaments will be held in the iconic city.
The first of those, the LA Open (21-24 April), is a relatively recent addition to the Tour having been established in 2018. It is held at Wilshire Country Club, which was the site of the Genesis Invitational – known then as the Los Angeles Open – on 4 occasions before it found a permanent home at Riviera Country Club. The venue is just around the corner from Hollywood and the area’s trademark glitz and glamour has certainly rubbed off on the tournament, with famous faces including movie star Chris Pratt and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky among those to have taken part in the Pro-Am.
The defending champion this year will be Brooke Henderson, who secured her 10th LPGA Tour win in the 2021 LA Open. The Canadian started the final round 4 shots behind Jessica Korda and 3 back on Jin Young Ko, but a fine performance – which included holing out on the par-3 12th hole with a 70-foot chip – saw her claim the title by a single stroke.
As for the JTBC Championship at Palos Verdes (28 April – 1 May), it is a brand-new tournament making its debut on the Tour this season. Fans will not only have the chance to experience a new event but also a new course; Palos Verdes Golf Club was established in 1924, but this will be its first hosting of a top-class championship, and having been recently renovated it promises to be a fitting home for players and spectators alike.
Daily general admission Grounds tickets start at USD $28 for the LA Open and $30 for the JTBC Championship. Hospitality is also available at both events, while a dual-event ticket is also available for purchase; with the unique situation of back-to-back competitions taking place in the same city, this pass grants full-week entry to both for just $81, which represents an impressive saving.
Click on the following for more information about both events: