The ShopRite LPGA Classic today announced that its purse will be raised to $1.5 million in 2006, an increase of $100,000. This marks the second straight year that the purse has increased by $100,000. The increase means that the ShopRite Classic will be the richest 54-hole event on the LPGA Tour.
Commenting on the purse increase, tournament executive director Ruth Harrison said, "The $1.5 million purse in 2006 dramatically underscores the extraordinary growth of our tournament over the past several years and reaffirms our status as one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour. We are very grateful to our title sponsor, Wakefern/ShopRite, as well as our other sponsors, our fans and volunteers. Their support – and that of the LPGA players who participate in our tournament — has made this growth and success possible."
This marks the 13th time in the Classic’s 20-year history that the purse has been increased, including the 12th time in the past 15 years. Next year’s winner will receive $225,000, an amount equal to the entire purse in the tournament’s first four years, 1986-89.
The 2006 ShopRite Classic is scheduled for May 29th – June 4th at the Seaview Resort and Spa Bay Course in Galloway Township, NJ. For tickets, sponsorship or volunteer information, call (609) 383-8330, or visit www.shopritelpga.org.
Following is a year-by-year listing of ShopRite LPGA Classic purses:
1986 – $225,000 1996 – $750,000
1987 – $225,000 1997 – $900,000
1988 – $225,000 1998 – $1,000,000
1989 – $225,000 1999 – $1,000,000
1990 – $300,000 2000 – $1,100,000
1991 – $300,000 2001 – $1,200,000
1992 – $400,000 2002 – $1,200,000
1993 – $450,000 2003 – $1,300,000
1994 – $500,000 2004 – $1,300,000
1995 – $650,000 2005 – $1,400,000
2006 – $1,500,000
Contact:
Rodger Gottlieb
rodgergottlieb@yahoo.com
609-484-0750
