Spring has sprung at beautiful Blythefield Country Club, where a kaleidoscope of colorfully dressed ladies padded around the putting green, practicing for their shot at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
The first round teed off under a blanket of thick morning air, which soon gave way to a sun-kissed afternoon. No harm, no foul.
Our hometown player, Olivia Stoll, brought local flavor and added another feather in the cap for Grand Valley State University (also, this author’s alma mater). The excitement was palpable as newcomers took the stage alongside seasoned world champions and crowd favorites.
One such fan favorite was Lexi Thompson, who charmed the gallery with a heartwarming gesture. As she walked by, she stopped to greet a young girl with her signature electric smile and a kind, “It’s nice to see you again.” A small, respectful crowd gathered nearby and gifted Thompson with treats, which she gratefully accepted.
A few good men lined the sidelines, and autographs flowed freely — especially from newcomers. Ina Yoon signed a fan’s photo and added some elegant script to cap it off. Her hands, like those of her competitors, are her tools of the trade, making it all the more special to see them up close.
Near the 10th tee, three caddies chatted while their players prepared to tee off. A hush fell over the morning air. Then came the loud, unmistakable cracks of drives well-placed and eagerly watched. One by one, they hit the mark and headed off to their second shots. It’s here — the seamless teamwork between player and caddie — that the magic of the LPGA comes alive.
This is one of the reasons players love returning to West Michigan. The atmosphere is relaxed, the land and lakes welcoming. We’re fortunate to have the Meijer family leading the effort to support local families through the Simply Give initiative — all while celebrating a sport we love.
Inside the clubhouse, I shared a lively conversation about nutrition for athletes with a fellow dog lover and LPGA champion. Gorgeous custom golf bags were displayed in the foyer, fueling my craving to play. I once heard a wise man say, “It’s all about the girls and the gear.”
At the tournament’s end, a new victor emerged: Carlota Ciganda won the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, finishing at 16 under par with rounds of 69-67-69-67. The 35-year-old Spaniard secured her third LPGA Tour title with birdies on the final two holes at Blythefield Country Club, including a tap-in on the 17th and a 4-foot putt on the 18th, to edge Hye-Jin Choi by one stroke.
On capturing her third win on an LPGA Tour: “I mean, amazing. Amazing obviously to win. I think the key has been just being in my own bubble with my caddie. It’s such a fun week to play here. We have a great host family. Doesn’t even feel like a tournament. Yeah, very proud of staying present, very proud of just thinking about my game, accepting, being patient out there. It’s a course that there are a lot of birdies out there, but at the same time you have to make the putts and they can get away from you. So just very happy to stay present, yeah, all the 72 holes. Yeah, the end was a great finish and very happy to get that win.”
Ciganda’s victory, her first in over eight years, tied her with Beatriz Recari as the winningest Spanish player in LPGA history. The tournament, held June 12-15, ended on Father’s Day, a Meijer LPGA tradition.
