The fourth annual PHC Classic serves as the 14th stop for the Symetra Tour this season with a 156-player field converging on the greater Milwaukee area to compete from Aug. 10-12 at Brown Deer Park Golf Course.
In addition to a purse of $100,000, the event serves as the official United States qualifier for The Evian Championship, which runs from Sept. 13-16 in Evian-les-Bains, France. It is the third straight year overall that the top-two finishers earn exemption into the fifth and final major on the LPGA Tour schedule. The FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship was the springboard in 2016.
“For the second year in a row we are delighted to partner up with the Symetra Tour’s PHC Classic which will serve as the U.S. qualifier for The Evian Championship,” said Franck Riboud, chairman of The Evian Championship. “Young players need a chance to live the experience of a major as this is part of their learning process and we are pleased to guide them along this path. This initiative is totally in line with our desire to aid the promotion and growth of women’s golf.”
Last year, Brittany Marchand (Orangeville, Ontario) and Marion Ricordeau (Laon, France) were the top-two finishers at the PHC Classic, although both failed to make the cut in The Evian Championship. Ricordeau is in the field this week, while Marchand is currently No. 91 on the LPGA official money list.
“It meant a lot to win the PHC Classic last year and kicked off a good stretch of tournaments for me,” said Marchand. “I felt like my game was close and then it was great to see it shine through. Also, getting the opportunity to play in The Evian Championship was an amazing bonus. The chance to compete in a major is always a solid opportunity to play against the best in the world.”
Meanwhile, Brown Deer Park Golf Course was also home to the PGA TOUR’s U.S Bank Championship from 1994 to 2009. To complement the rich history of professional golf on the grounds, Tiger Woods made his professional debut in 1996 at the venue just four days after winning his third consecutive U.S. Amateur title.
“The pedigree of championship golf that this track has is nothing short of spectacular,” said Mike Nichols, the Chief Business Officer for the Symetra Tour. “Continuing the tradition by showcasing the future stars of the LPGA is a testament to the sponsors and community. It is always our goal to provide courses that fairly test our players and Brown Deer Park Golf Course does that and much more.”
Individuals will battle in a 54-hole stroke play format, with the field cut to the low 60 players and ties after 36 holes. Action begins at 7:30 a.m. CT all three days.
