DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., and CORNING, N.Y. (August 5, 2026) – The LPGA Tour today announced the return of The Classic to Corning, N.Y., marking the tournament’s first appearance in Western New York since 2009. Presented by Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), the event will be held May 27–30, 2027, and feature a $5 million purse, placing it among the LPGA Tour’s premier tournaments.
The Classic marks a new chapter for one of the most beloved tournaments in LPGA history, reconnecting Corning, the Finger Lakes region, and the world’s best players. Corning served as presenting sponsor of the original tournament for 31 years, and the company’s renewed commitment comes as it celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2026.
Lewis Steverson, Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Administrative Officer at Corning, said: “As we celebrate Corning’s 175thanniversary this year, we mark both a new growth era for the company and a new era of The Classic. We’re proud to renew a relationship that runs deep across our company and this region. Together with our employees, local leaders, the Corning Country Club, and the LPGA Tour, we look forward to welcoming the world’s best players back to Corning for an event that reflects the innovation, excellence, and unmistakable spirit that have defined Corning for generations.”
LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler added: “The return of The Classic brings together the LPGA’s history and its future. As we continue shaping the next chapter of our Tour, we’re building on the qualities that have defined the LPGA for decades—incredible championships, committed partners, passionate communities and unforgettable experiences for our athletes. I’ve been blown away by the Corning team’s thoughtfulness and commitment to returning this event to the Tour, with players and community at the heart of their plans and ambitions. All the legends I’ve spoken to remember this event so fondly, and we can’t wait to create a new generation of memories together in Corning.”
Annika Sorenstam, a 10-time major champion and winner of the tournament in 2004, said: “This is fantastic news for the players and the Corning community. Having a company with 175 years of history, innovation, and local commitment return to the LPGA family of title sponsors is a huge win for players and fans alike. Community support was always at the heart of what made this tournament so enjoyable to play, so I know that the latest generation of players are going to love the event just as much as we all did.”
IMG will serve as the tournament’s promoter and deliver all operational aspects of the event, with Ed McEnroe, Senior Vice President, IMG, concluding: “The return of The Classic brings back an event that holds a special place in LPGA history. Corning’s passion and commitment to creating exceptional experiences and meaningful impact for players, employees, fans and the community has been inspiring from the start. Together with Corning, the LPGA and the local community, we look forward to honoring The Classic’s incredible legacy while building an exciting new chapter for generations to come.”
The last LPGA tournament in Corning was played in May 2009 and won by Yani Tseng. The total purse was $1.5 Million.
About the LPGA
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s premier women’s professional golf organization. Created in 1950 by 13 pioneering female Founders, the LPGA, whose Members now represent nearly 40 countries, is the longest- standing professional women’s sports organization. Through the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour, the LPGA Professionals, and a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA provides female professionals the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the game of golf at the highest level. In addition to its professional tours and teaching accreditation programs, the LPGA features a fully integrated Foundation, which provides best-in-class programming for female golfers through its junior golf programming, and its LPGA Amateurs division, which offers its members playing and learning opportunities around the world. The LPGA aims to use its unique platform to inspire, transform and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course.
Follow the LPGA online at www.LPGA.com and download its mobile apps on Apple or Google Play. Join the social conversation on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.
About the LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour is the world’s leading competitive destination for the best female professional golfers in the world. The Tour hosts 33 annual events across 13 countries for over 200 athletes, awarding total prize funds exceeding $132 million and reaching television audiences in more than 150 countries and territories. Follow the LPGA Tour on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, with a 175-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning’s capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning’s markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.
Media Contacts:
LPGA
J.D. Sterba
JD.Sterba@lpga.com
Corning
Gabrielle Bailey
BaileyGR@corning.com
IMG
Michele Mair
Michele.Mair@img.com