Corning Classic Returns in 2027 With $5 Million Purse After 18-Year Absence

The LPGA Tour officially restores the Corning Classic to the 2027 schedule, featuring a massive $5 million prize fund and a traditional late-May date.

The LPGA Tour officially announced the return of the Corning Classic for the 2027 season, ending an 18-year hiatus for the western New York event. When the tournament resumes, it will feature a $5 million purse, representing a 233% increase from the $1.5 million prize fund offered during its final previous edition in 2009. This new financial commitment positions the competition among the wealthiest non-major championships on the professional golf calendar.

Key details

Scheduled for the final week of May, the tournament will be rebranded as "The Classic" while occupying its historic slot on the tour schedule. The original event enjoyed a 31-year tenure that concluded nearly two decades ago after organizers opted not to renew their agreement. That departure was attributed to a global economic downturn and escalating financial demands from tour leadership during that era.

Yani Tseng stands as the most recent winner of the event, having secured the title in 2009. The tournament’s history includes a prestigious roster of champions, featuring nine individuals currently inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Notable past victors include Annika Sorenstam, Juli Inkster, Pat Bradley, and Joanne Carner, all of whom contributed to the tournament's reputation as a premier stop for elite talent.

LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler noted that the tour legends he consulted remember the Corning stop with high regard. The revival aims to bridge the gap between this storied history and a new generation of professional golfers. Sorenstam herself highlighted that the deep-rooted community support was the primary factor that made the tournament a favorite among competitors during her playing days.

Located approximately two hours southeast of Buffalo, Corning is a small-market city with a population of roughly 11,000 residents. The decision to bring professional golf back to this region coincides with the 175th anniversary of the Corning company. Commissioner Kessler praised the thoughtfulness and commitment of the local team in their efforts to restore the event to the professional circuit.

Latest developments

The 2027 relaunch focuses on placing both the players and the local community at the center of the event's ambitions. By re-establishing the late May date, the LPGA restores a familiar rhythm to its spring schedule. The $3.5 million increase in prize money since the 2009 iteration reflects the growth of the tour and the specific investment by the title sponsor to elevate the tournament's status.

This move ensures that "The Classic" will return as a high-stakes fixture for the world's elite female golfers. The 18-year gap between 2009 and 2027 represents one of the longest absences for a signature event in the history of the organization. Organizers are banking on the nostalgia of the 31-year original run to drive ticket sales and local engagement.

Financial details confirm that the $5 million total prize pool is intended to attract the top 50 players in the world rankings. The 2027 calendar will integrate this stop as a cornerstone of the Northeast swing. Local officials expect the influx of visitors to provide a significant boost to the regional economy, which has missed the annual sporting spectacle since the late 2000s.

With the 175-year milestone of the parent company serving as a backdrop, the tournament's return is more than a sporting event; it is a corporate celebration. The LPGA continues to expand its reach into markets with proven historical loyalty. This strategic restoration of a legacy event underscores the current leadership's focus on stability and high-value partnerships.