POTTSTOWN, Pa. — The ninth stop on the 2019 “Road to the LPGA” takes the Epson Tour to Raven’s Claw Golf Club in the Keystone State for the second annual Valley Forge Invitational from May 31-June 2.
“Having an event of this caliber makes a significant, positive economic impact on Montgomery County and the surrounding region,” said Mike Bowman, the President and CEO for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. “The Valley Forge Invitational helps to highlight Montco’s 53 golf courses—that’s 300,000 yards of play, one of the largest concentrations in the country. We’re really looking forward to an even more impressive tournament week this year.”
Greeting the 132-player field in Pottstown, Pa. is a total purse of $125,000. Individuals are set to compete in a 54-hole stroke play format with a cut to the low 60 players and ties after 36 holes. The winner’s share for the event is $18,750.
“We are excited to welcome this incredibly talented group of women athletes back to Montgomery County for the second year in a row,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, the Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Montgomery County is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, and on behalf of all the Commissioners we wish them luck on the Epson Tour.”
Defending champion Louise Ridderström (Stocksund, Sweden) is not among the competitors. She won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2018 thanks to a competitive course record 8-under par 63 in the final round. Furthermore, Ridderström finished tied for 36th at the inaugural LPGA Q-Series to earn Priority List Category 14 status for the 2019 LPGA Tour season.
“The Valley Forge Invitational last year was an experience I will never forget,” Ridderström said. “It was my first win as a professional, therefore it will always have a special place in my heart.Thank you so very much to Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Raven’s Claw Golf Club and the people of Pottstown for hosting this event. It really means a lot to all the women competing because it is an opportunity for everyone to chase a dream.”
Action gets underway at 7:00 a.m. ET with play starting off No. 1 tee all three days. Meanwhile, a trophy presentation on No. 18 green is set to take place following the completion of the final round.