Last Year's Champion Among Early ShopRite LPGA Classic Participants

is back to defend her title in 2012.

Last year's LPGA Classic champion was among eight early commitments for this year's tournament, to be played on the Bay Course at the from June 1-3, the LPGA announced on Wednesday, April 11.

Lincicome won last year's event by one stroke over Cristie Kerr and Jiyai Shin. She birdied on the 18th hole and shot 11-under-par.

Other previous champions to make early commitments include 2010 champion Ai Miyazato, 2006 champion Seon Hwa Lee, 2004 champion Cristie Kerr, 2003 champion Angela Stanford, and 2000 champion Janice Moodie, according to the LPGA.

The champions will be joined by Hall of Famers Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb, the LPGA said. A total of 144 players will compete for $1.5 million in prize money.

“We are delighted to welcome back some of the game's greatest players, especially those who have meant so much to the success of the LPGA in Atlantic City,” ShopRite LPGA Classic Executive Director Tim Erensen said. “With many more commitments from the LPGA’s best expected over the next several weeks, ‘A Shore Tradition’ will continue as the LPGA will once again deliver world class, family friendly entertainment at the Jersey Shore.”

The 2012 ShopRite LPGA Classic is May 28 to June 3, 2012. For ticket, sponsor and volunteer information, or to see a schedule of events, visit www.ShopRiteLPGAClassic.com or call 609-798-0222. 

For individual player bio information, please visit www.shopritelpgaclassic.com/players.php.