KINSTON, N.C. – The 144-player field for the third annual Carolina Golf Classic presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has been finalized by the Epson Tour. The “Road to the LPGA” returns to the Tar Heel State from June 9-12, at a new host venue of Kinston Country Club in Kinston, N.C.
Individuals will compete in a 72-hole, stroke-play format for $200,000 and a winner’s share of $30,000. A cut will be made to the top-60 competitors plus ties after 36 holes. This is the fifth year Blue Cross NC has supported the hundreds of women working to achieve their dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour. Additionally, a select number of tournament exemptions will be provided to student-athletes at local universities and colleges, giving the women an opportunity to play in a professional setting. Tournament admission is free.
“We had great discussions with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina about where the Carolina Golf Classic would be played this year and are very excited to welcome Kinston Country Club to the LPGA family,” said Mike Nichols, Chief Business Officer of LPGA Qualifying Tours. “It’s a first-class facility and will provide a quality test for our players. We look forward to connecting with the Kinston community.”
Kinston Country Club will become the newest member in the tournament venue rotation. In 2020, the event was contested at Pinehurst No. 9 in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Forest Oaks Country Club, home of the PGA TOUR’s Wyndham Championship from 1977-2007, in Greensboro hosted in 2021.
Slovenian Ana Belac won the inaugural event in 2020, while University of Texas alumna, Sophia Schubert, captured the title last year. Both players are LPGA members in 2022.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an outstanding partner of the Epson Tour and they treat us with what feels like a red-carpet experience,” said Schubert. “I’m bummed I won’t be able to defend my win but am so appreciative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s support. Because of the investment they made in believing in women’s sports, I am able to live out my dreams.”
On Tuesday, June 7, local youth from the Kinston-Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department will be introduced to the sport of golf at a Junior Golf Clinic hosted by Epson Tour Pros. Additionally, Blue Cross NC has partnered with the Kinston Community Council for the Arts to highlight the local art community and create the tournament trophy. This year’s trophy was designed by local artist Mark Golitz, and features elements inspired by Eastern North Carolina.
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