ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern Continues the Professional Golf Boom Trend in the Philadelphia Region
By Seth Fassano
GALLOWAY, N.J. – Golf around the greater Philadelphia region is growing, and growing rapidly. From the PGA Championship happening two weeks ago at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., to the ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern happening this weekend at the Seaview Golf Club in Galloway, N.J, the local golf scene is booming.
Aronimink hosted the PGA Championship for the first time since 1962, solidifying its status as a premier golf venue. Now, the ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern, after hosting the world’s largest pro-am on Wednesday and Thursday, looks to continue the momentum.
The ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern is the LPGA’s one of the longest-running tournaments on the LPGA Tour, now in its 38th year. Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Meaghan Francella is playing in the tournament for the 8th time. As both a teaching professional of the club and an LPGA competitor, Francella is very familiar with the links in the tri-state area.
“In Philly, we have so many great golf courses,” Francella said. “I tell people some of the best golf in the country is in the Philly area. My club is only an hour from here, and we’re a top-100 club.”
“The golf around Philly is unbelievable, and there has been a huge buzz,” Francella added. “We hosted the Truist Championship last year, Aronimink had the PGA Championship, and Merion got the U.S. Amateur this year. So, Philadelphia is buzzing with golf. They're great fans, and everybody just enjoys it.”
It’s not just the locals who are embracing Philly golf. Team ShopRite members Cheyenne Knight and Azahara Munoz are noticing the high-energy atmosphere at the Jersey shore.
“This tournament is always buzzing and always has a great crowd,” Knight said. “No matter where you are on the golf course, there are always people watching and excited to watch the LPGA and support us.”
"It's always pretty fun to play in front of so many people,” Munoz said. “I remember years where the weather hasn't been the best, and people are still out and about. This has been a full tournament for as long as I’ve been competing in the LPGA.”
The ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern features eight former champions and 23 of the tour’s 28 rookies, all of whom are competing for a share of the $2 million prize pool. Laetitia Beck leads after round one at 8-under par. Round two begins Saturday at 7:20 a.m. ET.
