Schwab Cup King Cink Headlines First-Ever Lehigh Valley Classic
Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic 2026: Golf Legends Return to Allentown
What Is the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic?
Imagine a golf tournament where the players are all 50 years or older but still hit the ball farther than most of us ever will. That’s the PGA TOUR Champions—and the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic is its brand-new stop in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Mark Your Calendar: September 28 – October 4, 2026
Where: Lehigh Country Club, Allentown, PA
Spectator Days: Thursday, October 1 – Sunday, October 4
Tickets Start At: $15 (Kids 17 & under FREE with a paying adult)
Watch on TV: All three rounds on GOLF Channel
Meet the Superstars Playing in 2026
Stewart Cink – The Guy to Beat
- Age: 53 | Rank: #1 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings
- Big Win: 2009 Open Championship (that’s the British Open)
- 2025 Season: 4 wins, 3 second-place finishes, 19 top-25 finishes in 21 starts
- Fun Fact: Won the Payne Stewart Award for sportsmanship and charity work
Justin Leonard – Major Champion & Texan Legend
- Age: 54 | Rank: #39 in Charles Schwab Cup
- Big Win: 1997 Open Championship
- Team USA: Played on 5 Presidents Cup and 3 Ryder Cup teams
- 2025 Breakout: 2 wins on the Champions Tour, including his first senior title
- Local Tie: Jefferson Ambassador (that means he represents the tournament’s title sponsor)
Dicky Pride – The Fan Favorite
- Age: 57 | Rank: #17 in Charles Schwab Cup
- Signature Win: 2024 DICK’S Open – beat Padraig Harrington in a playoff!
- First Senior Win: 2021 Mitsubishi Electric Classic
- 2025 Season: 9 top-25 finishes, 4 in the top 10
- Also a Jefferson Ambassador – he loves connecting with fans
Why This Tournament Matters
It’s Part of a Bigger Race
The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic is a Regular Season event in the Charles Schwab Cup—the season-long championship for PGA TOUR Champions. Think of it like the FedEx Cup on the regular PGA TOUR, but for players 50+.
How it works:
- Players earn points all season
- Top players advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs (3 tournaments)
- Finale: Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix, AZ
- Winner takes home the Charles Schwab Cup title
Big Money, Big Impact
- 2026 Purse: $2.3 million
- Total Tour Prize Money: $70+ million (highest in 46-year history!)
- 28 Events on the 2026 schedule
- 78 Professionals competing over 54 holes (3 rounds)
Who’s Behind the Tournament?
| Organization | Role | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Tournaments for Charity | Operator | Pennsylvania nonprofit that runs the event |
| Jefferson | Title Sponsor | Healthcare & education system (65,000+ people strong) |
| Sodexo | Presenting Sponsor | Global food & facilities company (Fortune 500) |
| PGA TOUR Champions | Sanctioning Body | Pro golf tour for players 50+ |
| HNS Sports Group | Consultant | 150+ years combined golf industry experience |
Important Point: This tournament isn’t just about golf—it’s a charity engine. Proceeds benefit local organizations across Greater Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
How to Get Tickets (Step-by-Step)
- Visit jeffersonclassic.com
- Click "Tickets" in the navigation menu
- Choose your day(s): Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
- Select ticket type:
- Grounds Access (starts at $15)
- Premium/Hospitality options available
- Add youth tickets (17 & under = FREE with adult ticket)
- Complete purchase and get your mobile tickets
Watch from Home
Can’t make it to Allentown? No problem!
- USA: GOLF Channel (all 3 rounds live)
- International: 170+ countries, 22 media partners
- Follow Online:
- X (Twitter): @JeffLVClassic
- Instagram: @jeffersonlvclassic
- Facebook: JeffersonLVClassic
Quick Summary
| What | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic presented by Sodexo | |
| Tour | PGA TOUR Champions (pros age 50+) | |
| Dates | Sept 28 – Oct 4, 2026 (fans: Oct 1–4) | |
| Location | Lehigh Country Club, Allentown, PA | |
| Format | 54-hole stroke play, 78 pros, $2.3M purse | |
| TV | GOLF Channel (all rounds) | |
| Tickets | From $15 | Kids 17- FREE with adult |
| Charity | Benefits PA/NJ region nonprofits | |
| Headliners | Stewart Cink (#1), Justin Leonard, Dicky Pride |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PGA TOUR Champions?
Think of it as the "senior tour" for professional golfers. Once players turn 50, they can join this tour. It features Hall of Famers, major champions, and legends still playing competitive golf at a high level.
What’s the Charles Schwab Cup?
It’s the season-long points race on PGA TOUR Champions. Players earn points at each tournament. The top players make the playoffs, and the final event in Phoenix crowns the overall champion. Stewart Cink won it in 2025.
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! Children 17 and under get FREE grounds access when accompanied by a ticketed adult. It’s a very family-friendly event.
Where do I park / stay / eat?
Visit jeffersonclassic.com for the latest on:
- Parking & shuttles
- Hotel packages
- Concessions & hospitality options
- Pro-Am and volunteer opportunities
Who is Jefferson, the title sponsor?
Jefferson is a healthcare and education powerhouse based in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They run:
- Jefferson Health – 33 hospitals, 700+ outpatient sites
- Thomas Jefferson University – 10 colleges, 200+ programs
- Jefferson Health Plans – 370,000+ members
Their mission: "Reimagining health care and higher education."
Final Thought
The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic brings world-class golf, family fun, and community impact together for one unforgettable week in Allentown. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or just looking for a great October outing, this inaugural event promises excitement, history, and legends of the game right in your backyard.
Get your tickets early at jeffersonclassic.com – the best seats go fast!
Information provided by Thomas Sprouse on behalf of the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic.