GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Miyu Yamashita captured her first LPGA Tour victory Sunday, winning the 2026 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give in a playoff, helping cap another record-setting week for the tournament’s hunger-relief mission.
The 24-year-old Japanese golfer defeated amateur standout Lottie Woad on the first playoff hole at Blythefield Country Club following a dramatic final-round finish. Yamashita became the first Japanese player to win the Meijer LPGA Classic and the fourth player from Asia to claim the title, joining a list that most recently included So Yeon Ryu in 2018.
The victory also marked Yamashita’s first professional win in the United States, adding to her previous tournament victories in Europe and Asia. In just 37 career LPGA starts over her first two seasons, she has recorded 18 top-10 finishes, making her the seventh-fastest player since 2000 to reach that milestone.
“I did a good job of controlling my game today and I’m really pleased with that,” Yamashita said. “To be honest, I never thought I would end up winning, so this is a very special result for me.”
Beyond the competition, the tournament reached a major milestone in its charitable mission. Organizers announced that this year’s event raised $1.5 million for Meijer’s Simply Give hunger-relief program, which supports food pantries throughout the Midwest. Since its inception, the Meijer LPGA Classic has generated nearly $15 million to help fight food insecurity.
“The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give continues to demonstrate the incredible power of our communities coming together for a greater purpose,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO of Meijer. “We are grateful to the players, volunteers, sponsors, fans, and team members who helped make this year’s tournament such a success. Beyond the outstanding competition, the lasting impact this event has on feeding families across the Midwest is what makes it truly special. We’re proud of what we accomplished together and are thankful for everyone who made this another memorable week.”
The tournament drew record attendance and relied on more than 1,400 volunteers, while featuring a field of former champions, top-ranked LPGA players and rising stars. Fans also participated in a range of family-friendly activities and food-focused experiences throughout the four-day event.
“The continued success of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is driven by the incredible support of our community,” said Cathy Cooper, executive director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “From the record crowds who came out to enjoy a weekend of world-class golf to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who generously gave their time, this event is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when the community comes together to make a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger.”
As part of a 2021-established tradition, Meijer will also donate $25,000 to a hunger-relief organization selected by Yamashita. Last year’s champion, Carlota Ciganda, directed the donation to Northwest Food Pantry in Grand Rapids.
Dates for the 2027 Meijer LPGA Classic will be announced in the future.
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