FRENCH LICK, Ind. — The 11th stop on the 2021 “Road to the LPGA” takes the Epson Tour to the Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort in the Hoosier State for the fourth annual Donald Ross Classic from July 8-10.
“French Lick Resort has been an outstanding host since they first welcomed us four years ago. We are grateful for their support of women’s professional golf and eager to have the Epson Tour return this season,” said Mike Nichols, the Chief Business Officer of LPGA Qualifying Tours. “The Donald Ross-designed course that hosted the 1959 and 1960 LPGA Championships has crowned some great winners, including this year’s first major champion on the LPGA Tour, Patty Tavatanakit.”
Greeting the 144-player field in French Lick, Ind. is a total purse of $250,000. 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 $37,500.
“It is great to see the return of Championship Golf to French Lick Resort,” said Dave Harner, Tournament Director of the Donald Ross Classic. “I hope we have a lot of fans come see the amazing talent of these young women. They are the best.”
Defending champion Patty Tavatanakit (Bangkok, Thailand) is not among the competitors, as she finished second in the “Race for the Card” in 2019 after earning three wins. Since graduating onto the LPGA Tour, Tavatanakit is now a major champion. In addition to winning the ANA Inspiration, the UCLA alumna has claimed four more top-5 finishes.
“Winning the Donald Ross Classic is a cherished memory as my first win on the Epson Tour. I was two months removed from turning professional and was coming off an incredible week at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic,” said Tavatanakit. “It helped build the momentum for the career I have now, and I’m excited to see who comes away as champion in this year’s event.”
Action gets underway at 7:30 a.m. ET all three days with play starting off No. 1 and No. 10 tees in the first and second round. Meanwhile, all groups will head off No. 1 tee for the final round with a trophy presentation to follow on No. 18 green.