LPGA returning to Michigan

Published 8:30 am Thursday, June 12, 2014

GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids community has been looking for answers for weeks surrounding the red argyle and the #GRgyle hashtag that have painted the downtown area, intriguing residents and passersby.

Well, the answers have finally arrived.

Representatives from Meijer and the LPGA at a press conference today revealed that the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft was the culprit behind the mystery.

“The red argyle was a fun way for the tournament to reintroduce itself to Grand Rapids and create intrigue within the community,” Tournament Director Lesley Baker said. “We know Meijer works hard to engage the community, so this tease campaign was a great opportunity to invoke interest that we expect will continue throughout tournament week.”

Meijer launched its #GRgyle campaign on May 9 that included posting photos on Twitter and Instagram of red argyle socks at iconic locations and establishments around the greater Grand Rapids area, including at the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Rosa Parks Circle, and even the Holland Tulip Time Festival. The retailer also peppered the downtown with red argyle posters, featuring #GRgyle and the date “08.07.14,” which represents the first day of championship play for the inaugural Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft.

The LPGA Tour event will host a full-field of 144 players playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition at Blythefield Country Club. The tournament marks the tour’s first stop in Michigan since 2000 when the Oldsmobile Classic in East Lansing ended it’s 9-year-run, as well as the first annual golf event in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula since 2009 when the PGA Tour hosted the Buick Open in Grand Blanc.

Tickets are now available online: General admission weekly tickets cost $35 apiece; general admission daily tickets cost $15 apiece; and a limited number of upgraded daily reserved tickets cost $50 apiece. The upgraded ticket provides admission on a specified day to a premium viewing area on the 17th green and access to discounted food and beverages. Kids, ages 17 and under, will receive free admission with a ticketed adult.

“As a retailer, we know our customers are looking for quality products at affordable prices, and the Meijer LPGA Classic is no exception to our way of thinking,” Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. “Ticket prices have been set to encourage families to join us as we welcome the best women golfers in the world to Grand Rapids while increasing awareness to the rising problem of hunger.”

Along with the golf tournament, the Meijer LPGA Classic will feature several events in the Grand Rapids area, beginning Aug. 4. Details are still being worked out, but please visit www.MeijerLPGAClassic.com for information on those events, volunteer opportunities and to purchase tickets.