Reigning Champ Cink Commits to Inaugural Lehigh Valley Classic
Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic: A Brand New Golf Tournament Comes to Pennsylvania!
Welcome to the ultimate beginner’s guide to the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic! Think of this like a brand new holiday coming to town—except instead of presents, you get world-class golf, family fun, and a chance to help local charities.
Here is everything you need to know, explained simply.
What Is This Tournament?
Imagine the biggest stars from the PGA TOUR—guys you’ve watched on TV for decades—coming out of "retirement" to play competitive golf again. That is PGA TOUR Champions! It is a professional tour for golfers aged 50 and older.
The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic is a brand new, inaugural event on this tour. It’s like the grand opening of a new stadium, but for golf.
IMPORTANT POINT
This is an official PGA TOUR Champions event. That means the scores count towards the official season-long race for the Charles Schwab Cup (think of it like the FedEx Cup, but for the "senior" tour). Players are competing for real money ($2.3 million total!) and crucial ranking points.
When and Where Is It?
Mark your calendars! The tournament week runs from September 28 to October 4, 2026, but the golf action for fans happens Thursday through Sunday.
Spectator Days (When You Can Watch):
- Thursday, October 1 – Round 1
- Friday, October 2 – Round 2
- Saturday, October 3 – Round 3
- Sunday, October 4 – Final Round (The Trophy Presentation!)
Location:
Lehigh Country Club
Allentown, Pennsylvania
This is a historic, beautiful private club. For one week, it opens its gates to the public!
The Superstars You’ll See
The tournament just announced three huge names committing to play. It’s like getting the headliners for a concert months early!
1. Stewart Cink – The "Current King"
- Age: 53
- Status: Reigning Charles Schwab Cup Champion & Current World No. 1 on this tour.
- Why he’s a big deal: He didn’t just show up; he dominated. In 2025, he played 21 tournaments, finished in the top 10 15 times, won 3 times, and never finished worse than 11th place!
- Regular Tour Legend: He won The Open Championship (British Open) in 2009 and has 8 regular PGA TOUR wins. He also won the prestigious Payne Stewart Award for character and charity work.
2. Justin Leonard – The "Major Champion"
- Age: 54
- Status: Jefferson Ambassador (He represents the hospital system hosting the event).
- Why he’s a big deal: He won the 1997 Open Championship and has 12 PGA TOUR wins. He played on 5 Presidents Cup and 3 Ryder Cup teams for the USA. That is elite company.
- Senior Success: He broke out in 2025 with 2 wins and 7 top-10 finishes on the Champions tour.
3. Dicky Pride – The "Fan Favorite"
- Age: 57
- Status: Jefferson Ambassador.
- Why he’s a big deal: He just won the DICK’S Open in June 2025 in a dramatic playoff against superstar Padraig Harrington.
- Journeyman Story: He’s the guy everyone roots for—grinding it out for years, winning his first senior title in 2021, and now playing the best golf of his life at age 57.
How to Get Tickets (It’s Affordable!)
Going to a PGA TOUR event is usually pricey. Not this one. The organizers want the community there.
| Ticket Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission (Grounds) | Starts at $15 | Access to walk the course, watch any player. |
| Youth (17 & Under) | FREE! | Must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Best family deal in sports! |
| Premium / Hospitality | Varies | Includes food, drinks, climate-controlled suites, best views. |
How to Buy:
- Go to jeffersonclassic.com.
- Click the "Tickets" tab.
- Pick your day(s) and ticket type.
- Checkout!
PRO TIP
Buy early! Inaugural events often sell out "premium" spots fast. The $15 grounds tickets are an incredible value for seeing Hall of Famers up close.
Can’t Make It? Watch on TV!
All three official rounds (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) will be broadcast live on GOLF Channel.
- US: Exclusive cable partner is GOLF Channel.
- International: Available in 170+ countries via 22 media partners.
Check your local listings for exact times (usually afternoon windows).
It’s About More Than Golf: The Charity Factor
This tournament is operated by Tournaments for Charity, a Pennsylvania nonprofit.
- The Goal: Raise significant money for local charities in the Greater Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, and Northeastern PA regions.
- The Model: Proceeds from tickets, sponsorships, and the Pro-Am go directly back into the community.
- Jefferson’s Role: The title sponsor, Jefferson Health, is a massive local healthcare system (33 hospitals, 700+ outpatient sites) and university (Thomas Jefferson University). They are investing in the community’s health and fun.
Tournament Format: Quick Rules Refresher
If you are new to tournament golf, here is how it works:
- The Field: 78 Professionals (No cut! Everyone plays all 3 days).
- The Format: 54-Hole Stroke Play (3 rounds, 18 holes each). Lowest total score wins.
- The Purse: $2.3 Million total. Winner takes home a big check and 500 Charles Schwab Cup points.
- The Pro-Am: Usually held Wednesday. Amateurs pay to play a round with a pro. Great for networking and charity fundraising!
The Partners Behind the Scenes
- Title Sponsor: Jefferson (Health + University).
- Presenting Sponsor: Sodexo North America (Global Fortune 500 company—food services & facilities management. They feed people at schools, hospitals, and offices everywhere).
- Operator: Tournaments for Charity (PA Nonprofit).
- Management: HNS Sports Group (Experts with 150+ years combined experience running golf events).
Stay Connected
Don’t miss updates, pairings, and behind-the-scenes content!
- Website: jeffersonclassic.com
- X (Twitter): @JeffLVClassic
- Instagram: @jeffersonlvclassic
- Facebook: JeffersonLVClassic
Summary: Why You Should Care
- History in the Making: You can say "I was there for the first one."
- Star Power: Current World #1 (Cink), a British Open champ (Leonard), and a playoff warrior (Pride).
- Family Friendly: Kids 17 & under are FREE. $15 for adults. Unbeatable value.
- Great Cause: Your ticket money helps local hospitals and charities.
- Easy Access: Lehigh Country Club is a stunning venue in Allentown.
- TV Backup: Can’t go? Watch all weekend on GOLF Channel.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What exactly is "PGA TOUR Champions"? Is it the same as the regular PGA TOUR?
Think of it as the "Legends Tour." It’s for pros aged 50+. The skill level is incredibly high—these guys hit it almost as far and putt even better than the young guns! It is the official senior tour owned by the PGA TOUR.
2. What is the Charles Schwab Cup?
It’s the season-long championship. Players earn points all year at every tournament. The top players make the "Playoffs" at the end of the year (3 events). The winner of the final event in Phoenix wins the Cup and a $1 Million+ bonus. Stewart Cink is the defending champ.
3. Can I get autographs?
Yes! Champions Tour players are famous for being accessible. Best spots: Near the practice range early in the morning or by the 10th tee/18th green after rounds. Bring a Sharpie and a hat/flag!
4. Is there food and drink at the course?
Absolutely. Since Sodexo (a massive food company) is the presenting sponsor, expect excellent concession stands—likely better variety and quality than your average sports event!
5. What if it rains?
Golf plays in the rain! Only lightning/dangerous weather stops play. Bring a rain jacket and umbrella (check the website for bag policy—usually small soft-sided bags allowed). If a round is washed out, they try to finish it the next day.
See you at Lehigh Country Club in October 2026!