WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The 132-player field for the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic has been finalized by the Epson Tour. The “Road to the LPGA” kicks off the season for the 14th year in the Sunshine state from March 3-5 at the Country Club of Winter Haven.
Individuals will compete in a 54-hole, stroke-play format for $200,000 and a winner’s share of $30,000. A cut will be made to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes. Thanks to the tournament partners, Florida’s Natural and Visit Central Florida, admission is free.
“The Epson Tour is excited to start another season with the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic at the Country Club of Winter Haven,” said Jody Brothers, Chief Business and Operations Officer for the Epson Tour. “As the official qualifying tour of the LPGA, we strive to give our athletes the best opportunities and strong competition, which is evident this week with multiple LPGA Tour members and two major champions in the field.”
The Epson Tour will start the season strong with 11 of the 19 2022 champions competing for the first title of the year, including five of the 10 2022 Epson Tour graduates. Xiaowen Yin, Kiira Riihijarvi, Celine Borge, Gina Kim and Yan Liu will tee it up in Winter Haven prior to beginning their LPGA season.
“It feels great to go back to the place where my pro career started and it’s surreal how much I’ve grown within the past year,” said 2022 graduate, Gina Kim. “The Epson Tour has given me the tools and confidence it takes to be out on the LPGA, and I am extremely grateful to the Epson Corporation for their generous support.”
Alexa Pano and Gabriela Ruffels, noteworthy rookies in 2022, will begin their second season of professional golf at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. Epson Tour veterans Sophie Hausmann, Kim Kaufman and Gabby Lemieux will also tee it up and start their race for the card. Other notable players include LPGA Tour members and major champions, Brittany Lincicome and Pernilla Lindberg.
“I’m excited to be competing in my first Epson Tour event in Winter Haven,” said two-time major champion, Brittany Lincicome. “I am grateful for the opportunity to play competitive golf and warm up before the LPGA Tour gets back into full swing in Arizona. It’s going to be a great week!”
Several players will return to the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic this year following a top-10 finish at the 2022 event. Alana Uriell, who finished T2 last year, will tee it up at the Country Club of Winter Haven in hopes of coming out on top in 2023. 2022 Epson Tour champion, Maria Torres will also return to defend her top-5 finish.
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