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A $2 million tournament purse certainly takes women's professional golf into the upper levels of women's golf.

That is exactly what the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft has done. The Grand Rapids tour stop is now one of the most notable tournaments on the women's tour.It was so successful last year that tour organizers are expecting huge growth this year, and know they will need more assistance.

Last year's inaugural event boasted more than 700 volunteers, and in anticipation of the need for more, organizers have opened volunteer registration one month earlier than last year in hopes of attracting even more volunteers for this year's tournament.

"We are dedicated to making the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft a notable stop on the LPGA tour," Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. "The community really embraced the tournament last year, and we look forward to partnering with the LPGA to make every aspect even better."

The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft will host a full field of 144 players playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition July 20 to 26 at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont.

With Walker-based Meijer as title sponsor, the driving mission of the tournament is focused on feeding the hungry and improving the quality of life within the region. The tournament will coincide with the retailer's Simply Give program, which has generated nearly $14 million for food pantries in the communities it serves.

"Hosting the top women golfers in the world would not be possible without the help of the hundreds of volunteers needed to make every aspect of the tournament run seamlessly," said Lesley Baker, tournament director of the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft. "We were overwhelmed by the positive support we received from the community last year, and this year we need even more."

The event will need an estimated 800 volunteers, ranging in responsibilities from marshals and standard bearers to transportation and assisting the news media.

The volunteer fee is $55 and includes two official tournament golf shirts, one tournament hat, a volunteer badge valid for weeklong tournament access and parking, four weekly grounds tickets for guests of the volunteer's choice, an invitation to the annual volunteer appreciation party, and meals and beverages during assigned shifts.

For volunteer registration, visit meijerlpgaclassic.com/volunteers to register.

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