The Greater Toledo Classic had an interesting story last year. Mia Hammond, an amateur, won the professional event. She will be returning as a sponsor’s invite and amateur again this year.
While the top 5 LCAP players (college graduates who earned Epson Tour status through the LPGA’s program) will be in attendance, only three of the top 15 in the Race for the Card will be in the field. However, there are still plenty of rookies looking for their first win and chance to join the LPGA Tour next year.
While this is only the second rendition of this event on the Epson Tour, women’s golf has a rich legacy in Ohio. From LPGA Tour events to LPGA Legends Tour events, every professional stage has competed in this state.
About Highland Meadows Golf Club
Located in Sylvania, OH, the Highland Meadows Golf Club is playing 6,666 yards as a par 71. Players will see small greens and tree-lined fairways, making this a tough test more than halfway through the season.
Who to Watch at the 2026 Greater Toledo Classic
The defending (and inaugural) champion Mia Hammond will be returning to the Greater Toledo Classic. She is still an amateur. With such a deep field, she’ll have some competition again this week.
Mia Hammond – The Inaugural Champion (and an Amateur)
At 17 years old, Hammond birdied her 72nd hole last year to win the Greater Toledo Classic by one shot. She became the first amateur to win an Epson Tour event in five years and just the 8th overall.
Local to New Albany, OH, Hammond just graduated high school and will be playing for Duke in the fall. She made waves in 2023 at the LPGA’s Dana Open, where she not only won the Monday Qualifier, but she also placed T26. You may also recognize her as a member from the winning 2024 PING Junior Solheim Cup team and as the Girls 14-15 winner at the Drive Chip and Putt National Championship at Augusta National.
Kary Hollenbaugh – Another New Albany High School Standout
Not only did New Albany High School produce Hammond, but it also began the careers of teammates Kary Hollenbaugh and Anna Ritter. Hollenbaugh, who went on to play for Ohio State, and Ritter, who went on to play for Illinois, will be competing together once again this week.
Hollenbaugh is one of the top 5 LCAP players now on the Epson Tour. She had five collegiate wins and set the Buckeyes’ record at 58 rounds at par or better. She is also one of the five ambassadors in this year’s class of the ANNIKA Development Program, which financially and logistically supports college graduates on their path to professional golf.
