New title sponsor announced for Wichita’s championship women’s golf event
Major changes are coming to the Heritage Classic, the designated tour championship of the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour that takes place annually at Rolling Hills Country Club.
Tournament officials announced several changes coming to the 2025 edition, namely a 2-year agreement with Keystone Solid Surfaces to become the tournament’s first title sponsor.
The 2025 tournament will take place on September 4-7 with tournament-related activities beginning September 2.
“Supporting the Wichita community is a core part of who we are at Keystone Solid Surfaces and we’re proud to be the title sponsor of the Heritage Classic,” said Keystone CFO Cyle Barnwell in a statement. “Golf has always played a unique role in building connections, especially in the business world, and we’re excited to cheer on these talented young professionals as they compete at Rolling Hills Country Club.”
The addition of a title sponsor will allow the tournament to expand opportunities available for hospitality. The Lubbers Founders Club Chalet on the 18th green will debut this summer, which allows businesses, patrons and their guests to view golf in a semi-private setting with food and drink benefits.
Sponsors will also help fund a permanent outdoor exhibit highlighting the 13 founders of the LPGA at Rolling Hills, which is considered the birthplace of women’s professional golf.
“With today’s announcement of the 2-year title sponsorship agreement, our tournament — which has been part of the ANNIKA WAPT for the past four years — will continue to grow unlike ever before,” tournament director David Guy said in a statement. “Partnering with Keystone will also assist the tournament to build on the tradition that began 75 years ago when the LPGA was formed at Rolling Hills Country Club.”
For the first time in the 4-year history of the championship event, a player will have an opportunity to defend the title. Tournament officials confirmed on Thursday that former Texas and Texas A&M golfer Hailee Cooper will be back in this year’s field and is poised to earn her LPGA Tour card for next season.
“It’s always been my dream to play on the LPGA Tour,” Cooper said in a statement. “It’s right in front of me. All I need to do is stay focused and keep working hard.”
Another change coming this summer is the order of the holes, as the traditional front nine will flip with the traditional back nine. Tournament officials did this so the traditional par-3 No. 9 will become the final hole of the round.
“We wanted the drama of the players needing to hit a quality iron shot to the 18th hole,” Guy said. “There are so many ways to play this wonderful par-3 hole. It will be fun for the gallery to see how these great players choose to hit their final shot into the green.”
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