Bucks County Golf

There's a saying that one can never go back again, but don't believe it. Sometimes there are circumstances that dictate some time away.

But, really, who in the Delaware Valley wouldn't want some quality time down the shore in June?

Especially when seeing an old friend. That old friend, the ShopRite Classic, returns to Galloway Township near Atlantic City June 17-20 with LPGA stars battling at the Dolce Seaview Resort for a $1.5-million purse.

After its 2006 event the ShopRite Classic left the LPGA schedule due to a series of steps and missteps by the LPGA management. The Classic had been successful for 11 years, but the LPGA had better designed for that week in the schedule. When a new date didn't materialize, the Classic was done. Or, shall we say, took some time away from the schedule.

Now it's back, and the 2K10 event is expected to be one of its best ever. Seon Hwa Kee, the 2006 winner at 16-under-par 197 over the Donald Ross designed Bay Course at Seaview, is listed as the defending champion, but it's safe to say a full field of this year's stars will be on hand for the event.

While three-time Classic champions Annika Sorenstam and Betsy King --- both Hall of Fame members --- have retired from active play, a number of the LPGA's brightest stars are expected to be on hand. Cristie Kerr, the 2004 champion, has always loved the Seaview layout, and it is hoped that two-time champion and crowd favorite Juli Inkster will return.

Delaware Valley crowds have always flocked to see Michelle Wie, who earned her first LPGA triumph in November, and rumor has it she's penciled in South Jersey to her schedule. Wie first played in the ShopRite as a 13-year-old.

The ShopRite Classic always has brought out the best in the LPGA, as players loved the course, the area and the purse. That's probably why a full contingent of Hall of Fame players regularly made it a priority stop. Sorenstam holds the tournament record of 17-under-par, set twice at Seaview.

Laura Davies has long loved the event, as witnessed by her sparkling 9-under-par effort in 2005 and several top-10 finishes.

Ross' small greens have always tantalized players. Seaview has a history of tournament play, as not only the ShopRite has been played there, but also the 1942 PGA Championship win by Sam Snead.

The memories of the ShopRite Classic are endless, but then, they've only just begun again. It's great to see an old friend returning to the LPGA schedule this summer.

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