First-Ever Valley Forge Invite Gains Steam As Part Of LPGA Tour

POTTSTOWN, PA — The LPGA tour will come to Montgomery County in 2018.

Pottstown's Raven's Claw Golf Club will host the inaugural Valley Forge Invitational, which is scheduled for May 24 through May 26.

“Montgomery County is home to some of the best golf courses in the country,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Chairman for the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of women athletes to our county, and I wish them the best of luck on the Tour.”

The Valley Forge Invitational is one of three new events on the tour in 2018, which includes the top elite female golfers from around the world. All told, there are 21 events throughout the year.

"Having an event of this caliber will have a hugely positive economic impact on Montgomery County and the region,” said President and CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Mike Bowman. “Besides highlighting women’s professional golf, the Tour spotlights Raven’s Claw, and the more than 50 other great public courses and private clubs that we have in Montco."

Raven's Claw, which opened in 2005, has hosted the Montgomery County Amateur Championship for the last decade.

Local charities within a 10 mile radius of Pottstown will receive funds that are raised during the tournament, organizers said.

Sponsors that helped bring the event to Montgomery County included the Valley Forge Tourism and Covention Board, Elmwood Park Zoo, Yeungling, SunnyBrook Ballroom, and the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation.

Image of Montgomery County native and professional golfer Emily Gimpel courtesy Valley Forge Tourism Board