A Legend of LPGA Past Makes Her Return in Portland

Now that all the majors are complete, the Tour makes its return to the States after a fun little Euro Summer stint, and it's doing so with a bang.

The Standard Portland Classic is the LPGA's longest-running, non-major tournament on its schedule. Since 1972, this event and its home, Columbia Edgewater Country Club, has hosted many of the women's game's greatest players. It's an event that has seen winners like Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, and defending champion Moriya Jutanugarn.

This year, it's also acting as the stage to a great return. LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame member Juli Inkster will make her first competitive start to the LPGA Tour in three years when she tees it up this weekend in Portland. The 1999 champion isn't the only LPGA icon to make an appearance—other stars like Natalie Gulbis and Christina Kim are also gracing the field.

Ahead of the tournament, Inkster expressed just what makes this tournament so meaningful to the Tour and its schedule. "It's always been one of I think a lot of people's favorites because it's really family oriented and caddie oriented," said Inkster. "They do—Stan the caddie master, does a heck of a job for all the caddies. Makes everybody feel welcome.

It's just a great area, the Northwest, to have a tournament. I know they've gone through some rough times trying to get sponsors, ups and downs, but I hope everybody just continues to support it because it is a legacy."

Inkster will play alongside a fellow winning Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis, and 2019 winner Hannah Green.

And while Portland will serve as a return for the seven-time major winner, the tournament is also a bit of a local showcase for one up-and-comer.

Rising junior at the University of Oregon and newly crowned world No.1 in the WAGR, Kiara Romero, will also be teeing it up just days after competing in the U.S. Women's Amateur at Bandon Dunes.

Kiara Romero chips on hole 14 at the Bandon Dunes Golf Course on August 8, 2025 in Bandon, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Romero made it all the way to quarterfinals of the championship, before losing to Lyla Louderbaugh of the University of Kansas in extra holes.

The 19-year-old is a two-time, first-team All-American and the Big Ten Women’s Golfer of the Year. Romero shot the lowest final round by an amateur in U.S. Women’s Open history at Erin Hills. And most recently, she moved to No. 1 in the World Amateur golf rankings last month after Florida State’s Lottie Woad and Mirabel Ting both turned professional.

Just two hours from campus, Romero will be a bit of a hometown hero (despite being from San Jose, Calif.).

RELATED: Love Letter to Bandon Dunes

How to Watch: TV and Streaming

Tee times and pairings for the first and second rounds are now available.

Don't miss out on the action!

Thursday and Friday

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m (Golf Channel); 1:00-2:00 p.m. (NBC Digital)

Saturday

6:00-9:00 p.m. (Golf Channel)

Sunday

4:00-7:00 p.m. (Golf Channel)