The LPGA is returning to Los Angeles for the HUGEL-JTBC Open, which will debut the week of April 16-22, 2018 at Wilshire Country Club, right near the heart of Hollywood. The tournament will feature 144 of the world’s best LPGA professionals competing over four rounds for a share of the $1.5 million purse.
This is the LPGA’s first return to Los Angeles in more than a decade. The tour’s Office Depot Championship was held at various Los Angeles courses from 2001 to 2005. Wilshire hosted the 2001 event that was won by Annika Sorenstam. The HUGEL-JTBC Open will be the third of the four tournaments held in California in 2018, joining the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, the Kia Classic in Carlsbad and a tournament in San Francisco.
This gem in the heart of L.A. was designed by architect Norman MacBeth with design restored by Kyle Phillips that has previously hosted Los Angeles Opens, the PGA Tour Champions and the LPGA.
“Wilshire Country Club is a strong proponent of women’s golf and our members are honored and excited about today’s announcement,” said David Damus, President of Wilshire Country Club. “Hosting the LPGA at Wilshire is a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts throughout Southern California to witness the best female golfers in the world.”
With a location between Hollywood and L.A.’s massive Koreatown, this is certainly a win for LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan’s team – an A+ move on his part.
“We’re very excited to take the LPGA back to Los Angeles and historic Wilshire Country Club, adding to the Tour’s already prominent presence in Southern California,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “We want to thank our good friends at HUGEL, JTBC and Eiger Marketing Group for providing us the opportunity to bring the stars of golf’s global tour to the heart of Hollywood and put on a show in one of the largest broadcast markets in the world.”
