2005 LPGA ShopRite Classic Memories

The 2005 Atlantic City ShopRite LPGA Classic was a hot one. We chose the 2005 Season Clubhouse Pass for the family. This gave us access to the Seaview Clubhouse and the event for the entire week. It was a great perk having access to the clubhouse to sit, eat, cool off and to get a welcomed respite from a somewhat buggy affair. Since I went almost every day, it was a great value to boot.

The ShopRite LPGA Classic is for sure, the biggest event in Atlantic City Golf all year long. Aside from bringing the biggest names in the LPGA, it provides a needed competitive, professional environment to New Jersey Golf (or more specifically, Southern New Jersey golf).

I am anxious to see the roster for this year's event, but as of yet, this information doesn't seem to be on the Atlantic City ShopRite LPGA Classic's website, or on the LPGA's website. There is of course a qualifying round to be run early in the event, but there should be some information regarding the players that have already qualified and committed to the event.

It would seem likely that the defending champ Annika Sorenstam will be there to defend her title. But what about the likes of Michelle Wie? If Michelle makes her Atlantic City Golf debut at the LPGA ShopRite Classic, it would no doubt make some waves and a more dramatic event.

A fond memory of last year was bringing my son, at the time 6 months, to the Tournament. We had luckily positioned ourselves in perfect spot to see Annika as she finished her final round and would head back to the Clubhouse. For a brief moment as she passed, she saw Adam and gave him a big smile. I can only hope that in that fleeting moment, she imparted some magical thought to Adam.

The women at the LPGA events just seem more real than the men. They are more approachable and sociable. After going yearly to the (formerly) Buick Open in New York, the men never have the same atmosphere. I'm excited to watch the women play again this year and I hope for another exciting finish.