ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Twenty-five years after winning the U.S. Senior Open at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Hale Irwin’s fondest memory of his stay in the Lehigh Valley isn’t the comeback victory over Bruce Fleischer.
Nor is it the $400,000 prize — although, he admits, that was nice.
Rather, it’s the kindness of the local residents he encountered here a quarter-century ago.
Irwin, a World Golf Hall of Famer, was at a news conference at Lehigh Country Club on Thursday where it was announced a PGA TOUR Champions event — the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic — would be held there for five years starting in 2026.
The three-round event, sponsored by Jefferson Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network, will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 4. Legends in the 78-player field will include Stewart Cink, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and others.
Proceeds will benefit local charities in northeastern Pennsylvania, Greater Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley.
Primary beneficiaries are Youth Valley House and Eagles Autism Foundation, which was represented by Eagles Hall of Fame receiver Mike Quick.
"Because I remember when I won the (2000 US Senior) Open, what I remember most — my knee-jerk reaction to the question — is the hospitality of the people here. I remember that more than anything else."Hale Irwin, on his victory at Saucon Valley Country Club
Given the focus of the PGA TOUR Champions events is charity first, golf second, Irwin views the Lehigh Valley as an ideal venue for the new seniors event.
“What I’m most proud of in my career is not the records, not the wins, but being part of an endeavor that helps people that may need help,” said Irwin, who turns 80 in May and is second all-time in Champions titles with 45.
“That’s why holding the event here is perfect,” he said. “Because I remember when I won the Open, what I remember most — my knee-jerk reaction to the question — is the hospitality of the people. I remember that more than anything else.
“I remember the other players feeling the same about the hospitality, how much they supported you and helped you. The entire community was very special. We all appreciated that. I have never forgotten that.”
Miller Brady, PGA TOUR Champions president, called the marriage of the event and Lehigh Country Club a win-win.
“It’s a win for Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, a win for the country club, a win for the community, a win for the spectators and especially a win for the economic impact and for local charities.”
The golf event being held locally is expected to generate a $50 million boost to the local economy.
The PGA TOUR Champions has generated more than $4 billion in charitable contributions.
Hosting such a prestigious golf event is a great way for Jefferson Health and LVHN to drive long-term economic development for communities.
“We’d thought about different ways to bring our brand to life,” said Nick Ragone, Jefferson Health executive vice president, chief marketing and communications officer.
“We found the best way was to partner with the PGA TOUR Champions. The tournament will be on Golf Channel for three days. That’s a great way to market Lehigh Valley to the entire country.”
Allentown native Dan Sullivan is managing partner of HNS Sports Group, of Ohio, an event management company specializing in running golf tournaments.
After watching other courses, like Saucon Valley Country Club, host premier events, Sullivan believed it was Lehigh Country Club’s time.
“It was our time to step up,” he said. “We had the officials and partners on site and they were thrilled with what we showed them.
“We’re going to put on a great show that will show off the club and the Lehigh Valley.”
Irwin, 79, was among the world’s top golfers on the regular PGA Tour, having won 20 events from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s.
He and Tiger Woods have each won three U.S. Open titles, with Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson each having won the event a record four times.
In 1990, at age 40, Irwin became the oldest player in history to win the U.S. Open.
Irwin has won more than $27.1 million in prize money since joining the PGA TOUR Champions in 1995.
And he said he is looking forward to returning to the Lehigh Valley for the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic next year.
“I remember how nice the people here were to me in 2000,” Irwin said. “This is a very welcoming community. I can’t wait to come back.”
