This fall, as the leaves begin to turn across eastern Pennsylvania, a new tradition is taking shape – one that blends world‑class golf, community celebration, and charitable purpose. The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic presented by Sodexo is making its long-awaited debut, igniting excitement across the local community and the professional golf world alike.
Framed by the rolling hills of the Lehigh Valley, this tournament – which is set to be held annually – steps confidently onto the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, bringing together legendary golfers, passionate fans, and local leaders for a weeklong experience that is as meaningful as it is memorable. Players, fans, and organizers alike are treating this as more than just a debut – it’s the beginning of what promises to become a marquee tradition on the regional and national golf calendars, blending new energy with the timeless appeal of championship‑level play.
A legendary stance
Being hosted at the Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pa., the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic features a 78‑player field, competing over three days and 54 holes in a stroke‑play format. As part of the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, the event attracts some of the most accomplished names in golf – athletes whose careers have shaped the sport for decades. Fans can expect to see icons such as: Bernhard Langer, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, John Daly, Justin Leonard, Darren Clarke, and Dicky Pride.
These are not just players – they are titleholders, major championship winners, Ryder Cup heroes, and fan favorites whose presence elevates the event into a true celebration of golf excellence.
For spectators, the opportunity to watch these legends up close is rare and unforgettable. PGA TOUR Champions events are known for their intimate atmosphere, where fans can stand just steps from the fairways and greens, enjoying unparalleled access to some of the game’s greatest personalities.
A historic venue on par for making history
The first-ever PGA TOUR Champions event to be held annually in the Lehigh Valley, the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic will be a weeklong celebration of this region’s vitality and potential.
Lehigh Country Club is regarded as one of the top golf destinations not only in the Lehigh Valley but in Pennsylvania, routinely ranking among the state’s top courses. Designed by the renowned Master Golf architect William S. Flynn in 1927, the course is situated along the Little Lehigh Creek. It is one of the most beautiful and natural parkland courses in the world. In addition to its dramatic topography, the course is known for its masterful routing of the fairways, which features significant elevation changes, as well as its challenging greens. The course provides a picturesque backdrop for championship golf, challenging players strategically while offering spectators stunning views from nearly every vantage point.
A mission with a strong grip on giving back
At its core, the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic is driven by a mission that extends far beyond the fairways. Title sponsor Jefferson, together with presenting sponsor Sodexo, emphasizes that this tournament is about more than just golf. It’s about giving back, with proceeds benefiting charities throughout the greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions, including the primary beneficiaries of the inaugural tournament – Valley Youth House, Eagles Autism Foundation, and the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.
By partnering with these nonprofit organizations, the event helps fund programs that strengthen families, support health initiatives, expand educational opportunities, fight food insecurities, and uplift communities. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and hospitality package enjoyed contributes to a meaningful impact.
This philanthropic focus is part of what makes the tournament so special. It’s not just about watching great golf – it’s about being part of something that makes a difference.
A tournament grounded in a week of experiences
While the competition itself is the centerpiece, the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic is designed as a full‑week experience. From Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 2026, the event schedule offers a variety of activities that appeal to fans, families, and corporate guests alike. This includes: the Eagles & Friends Celebrity Pro‑Am – a unique opportunity for celebrities, athletes, and business leaders to tee it up alongside PGA TOUR Champions professionals; and the official Pro‑Am – a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance for amateur golfers to play shoulder‑to‑shoulder with legends of the game.
Also available are premium hospitality experiences with options such as 18th‑green skyboxes and cabanas at the 9th and 16th greens, offering elevated views, gourmet food, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
For those looking to be part of this historic event, there is a wide array of volunteer opportunities available to help bring the event to life, while gaining behind‑the‑scenes access and becoming part of the tournament’s heartbeat.
These experiences make the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic more than a sporting event – it becomes a community festival, a networking hub, and a celebration of the region’s culture.
Looking ‘fore’ more information about the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic?
For those who love golf, value community, or simply enjoy unforgettable experiences, the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic presented by Sodexo is poised to become an annual must-attend tradition.
For additional information, to register, or to learn more about the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit the tournament website at jeffersonclassic.com. You can also learn more about the PGA TOUR Champions at PGATOUR.com and Jefferson Health at JeffersonHealth.org.
