The Shoprite LPGA Classic returns to New Jersey this week boasting an impressive field coming off a major championship weekend. Here are some of the groups to look out for this weekend on the LPGA Tour:
Akie Iwai, Chisato Iwai, Patty Tavatanakit – 7:48
At the Shoprite this weekend, the newest elite sister duo on the LPGA Tour has been paired together. The two dynamic rookies from Japan have games that are really fun to watch and they can go super low. Both have finished in the top two at least once in 2025 and Chisato got her first win two weeks ago in Mexico. They are paired with major champion Patty Tavatanakit, who has struggled as of late but is still capable of shooting great scores.
Madelene Sagström, Linnea Ström, Jeeno Thitikul – 7:59
It has already been a big season for Sweden, with Sagström winning in Las Vegas, Ingrid Lindblad winning in Los Angeles and just last week Maja Stark winning the U.S. Women’s Open. Now, two of the country’s best are paired here together with Ström defending her first career win. They are paired with the No. 2 ranked player in the world Jeeno Thitikul, who is coming off her worst week of the season but is always a major threat to win.
Lauren Coughlin, Jin Young Ko, Rio Takeda – 12:53*
I see all three of these players as major threats to win this week. Coughlin really fits the mold of the type of player who does well at this event. Jin Young Ko has been on too long of a non-winning streak and showed some really nice progress at Erin Hills. Rio Takeda is just bursting with talent, and was in elite form for most of the week at the U.S. Women’s Open. This is a powerhouse grouping that should be fun to watch.
Nelly Korda, Mao Saigo, Maja Stark – 1:04*
Pretty clearly the biggest group of the opening round, all three of these players were in heavy contention at the U.S. Women’s Open, Korda and Saigo will actually be playing for the third round in a row. This group also features the first two major champions of the year in Stark and Saigo. Korda will be the obvious headliner any tournament she plays in, but it helps when she is placed in a phenomenal group with other major championship winners.
