ShopRite LPGA Classic Returns to Galloway May 27-June 2

For the third year in a row, the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club will host the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

The 2013 tournament will take place from May 31-June 2, with a week of pre-tournament events beginning on May 27, tournament officials announced on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The top female golfers will compete in the 54-hole, $1.5 million purse tournament on Seaview's Bay Course. The tournament will be televised on The Golf Channel, tournament officials said.

Stacy Lewis became the top American golfer on the LPGA Tour with her victory in last year's tournament. She won by four strokes, recording a 12-under par for the tournament.

“This shore tradition continues to grow in popularity due in large part to the wonderful support we receive from dedicated fans, volunteers, partners, and of course, ShopRite,” Executive Director Tim Erensen said in a release issued Thursday. “We look forward to again bringing world-class entertainment to the Jersey shore and to do our part in showcasing Greater Atlantic City to millions of golf fans around the world.”

The tournament began as the Atlantic City Classic in 1986, tournament officials said. The tournament was played on courses in and around Atlantic City, including 14 events held at the Seaview, according to tournament officials.

The tournament became the ShopRite Classic in 1992, when Wakefern Food Corp became the title sponsor, tournament officials said. Past ShopRite LPGA Classic champions include Juli Inkster, Nancy Lopez, Betsy King, Annika Sorenstam, Brittany Lincicome, and Lewis.

Since becoming the title sponsor of the tournament, ShopRite has donated over $25 million to charities relating to the tournament, tournament officials said. Last year, ShopRite raised over $1.2 million for charitable organizations in the ShopRite service area, including hospitals, food banks and educational institutions, among other agencies, according to tournament officials.

“On behalf of all of our ShopRite stores, I am pleased that we are able to give back so much to our local communities,” Wakefern Food Corp. Chairman and CEO Joseph Colalillo said. “This year we raised $1.2 million for worthy organizations, such as The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, The Foundation of the UMDNJ and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to name just a few. We look forward to continuing our ongoing tradition of offering the best golf and family entertainment for a great cause.”