The Return of a Golfing Icon
After an eighteen-year absence, the LPGA Tour is finally bringing back a beloved classic. According to ESPN Golf, the Corning Classic will return to the schedule in 2027. This event is returning with a massive financial boost. The new purse sits at $5 million, a figure that ranks among the richest on the tour outside of the major championships. This shift marks a significant upgrade from the $1.5 million prize pool seen in 2009, the last time Yani Tseng lifted the trophy. The tournament had a solid thirty-one year run through 2009 before it vanished due to economic downturns and sponsorship demands that could not be met at the time. Now, the event will simply be known as “The Classic” as it reclaims its familiar spot on the calendar during the last week of May.
History and Community Roots
Corning, New York, serves as the home for this revival, located about two hours southeast of Buffalo with a population of about 11,000. As noted in reporting from ESPN Golf, the location is small but mighty when it comes to golf history. Nine players currently enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame appear on the roster of past champions, which resembles a definitive list of the sport’s elite. Legends like Joanne Carner, Pat Bradley, Juli Inkster, and Annika Sorenstam all found victory here. The return of the event coincides with the company’s 175th anniversary, adding a layer of corporate legacy to the sporting tradition. LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership. “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,” Craig Kessler said. He also noted that the legends he has spoken to remember the event fondly and are eager to create new memories.
Why the Purse and Location Matter
The financial jump to $5 million changes the competitive landscape immediately. It signals that the tour is willing to invest heavily in small-market events that have a proven track record. For the players, this means a chance to compete for life-changing money without having to travel to a major championship. The community aspect remains the core driver, a sentiment echoed by Annika Sorenstam, one of the nine Hall of Famers to win there. “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,” Sorenstam said. This connection between the town and the tour is rare in modern golf. Located roughly two hours southeast of Buffalo, Corning, New York, home to approximately 11,000 residents, returns to its usual place on the schedule during the final week of May. The timing allows fans in the region to plan their attendance well in advance, creating a vibrant atmosphere that big-city events often lack.
What to Expect in 2027
The stage is set for a historic return that blends past glory with future ambition. Fans should mark their calendars for the last week of May 2027, when the event officially resumes under the new name. The combination of a deep history, a massive purse, and strong local support creates a unique recipe for success. It represents a restoration of a golfing tradition that has been missed for nearly two decades. The LPGA Tour and the community in Corning have aligned perfectly to make this happen, ensuring the next generation of players gets the same warm welcome the legends once received.
