Community impact comforts Kupcho and Ciganda, who shoot low following delayed first round
By: Annie Watson
BELMONT, Mich. – Just one round into the Meijer LPGA Classic, and players are praising the atmosphere in West Michigan. Over the past 10 years of hosting this tournament, Blythefield Country Club has tended to bring out the best in the same group of players year after year.
Jennifer Kupcho, who won the tournament in 2022, shot a 5-under 67 following a 40-minute rain delay Thursday morning. She is aware of the effect this course in particular has on those who tend to shoot low at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
“I think that’s like a big thing,” Kupcho said. “All of us that play well, are just really comfortable. [And] I’m really comfortable with the area.”
The Colorado native credits her host family as one of the reasons for this sense of comfort. After staying with the host family of friend and fellow LPGA golfer Kristen Gillman, Kupcho met their neighbors. Those neighbors now host the 27-year-old every time she competes in this tournament.
“I’m kind of an idol to [their twin boys], so it’s really fun to go back every year,” said Kupcho.
And the Americans aren’t the only ones who are impacted by the locals. International golfers, such as Spanish golfer Carlota Ciganda, also are touched by the hospitality of nearby residents.
“They are like family to me now,” Ciganda said of her host family. “They love golf, and they understand what a pro needs and what we do every week.”
Being a host of the same family every year is just one aspect of the Meijer LPGA Classic that provides comfort to the Spainard. The layout of Blythefield, with its emphasis on ball striking and its smooth greens, suits her eye more than others. The course itself reminds her “a lot of home, so it’s just always a comfortable stop for me on the tour,” said Ciganda.
The results since her tournament debut in 2016 prove just how far that ease and comfort has gotten her. The Spainard finished second in her debut after losing to Sei Young Kim in the first playoff hole. Ciganda has made it to the weekend every year since.
Ciganda tees off for the second round of the Meijer LPGA Classic on Friday at 12:59 p.m. EST. She will start on No. 10 alongside Chicago native Elizabeth Szokol and Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden. Jennifer Kupcho tees off at 1:21 p.m. EST and is paired with Australian Gabriela Ruffels and Narin An of South Korea.
