When the LPGA returns to the U.S. next month, several of the game’s stars will be back inside the ropes at the newly renamed Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship in suburban Los Angeles.
Last year the Palos Verdes event, won by China’s Ruoning Yin, was called the DIO Implant LA Open. Pak, who went by Se Ri during her trailblazing LPGA career, is now going by Seri. She joins Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie West as LPGA tournament hosts in 2024.
Officials have confirmed that world No. 1 Lilia Vu will headline the March 21-24 event along with Nelly Korda, who returns after a seven-week break following her victory at home in Bradenton, Florida, at the LPGA Drive On Championship.
Rose Zhang, one of the stars of Capital One’s The Match on Monday night, will resume her LPGA schedule in L.A. after taking off most of the year to take classes at Stanford.
So far, 18 of the top 25 players in the world are slated to compete for the $2 million purse. The LPGA is currently in the middle of a three-week Asian swing.
Jiyai Shin, a former LPGA player who has 64 wins worldwide, including two majors, has been extended a sponsor exemption. Shin now competes on the Japan LPGA and is No. 16 in the Rolex Rankings.
Shin will be joined by University of South Carolina junior Hannah Darling, who earned the first sponsor exemption via her fine play at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge at Palos Verdes earlier this year.
Take a look at several of the big names and California natives scheduled to compete at the Seri:
Nelly Korda poses with the trophy after winning the 2024 LPGA Drive On Championship at Bradenton Country Club in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Lilia Vu of the United States tees off at the 4th hole during the first round of the Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club on February 22, 2024 in Chon Buri, . (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images)
Rose Zhang looks on prior to Capital One’s The Match IX at The Park West Palm on February 26, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images for The Match)
Ruoning Yin plays a shot from the fairway on the 18th hole during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
US Alison Lee competes during the Evian Championship, a women LPGA major golf tournament in…
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