Webb commits to tourney after 2-year hiatus

For the first time in two years, World Golf Hall of Famer and Boynton Beach resident Karrie Webb will be returning to LPGA Tour competition, committing to the Gainbridge tournament at Boca Rio Golf Club from Jan. 27 through Jan. 30.

Webb, a seven-time major champion, last played a full-time schedule on the tour in 2017. Before stepping away, Webb accumulated 41 LPGA Tour victories, as well as being named Rolex Player of the Year twice (1999-2000).

The Australian native joins Laura Davies as the only two Hall of Famers set to compete in next week’s tournament.

“We are honored to have Karrie Webb joining the field and are excited to welcome the world’s best players back to Palm Beach County for the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio,” Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio executive director Lesley Rio said in a statement. “We are equally as excited to welcome back fans to the tournament this year and representing Southeast Florida on a global scale, both in person and to television audiences around the world.”

The Gainbridge LPGA tournament returns to Boca Raton after last year’s competition was held at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando in late February.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda won last year’s event, finishing 16-under-272 to place in front of Delray Beach’s Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko, who both finished tied for second at 13-under-275.

The inaugural Gainbridge LPGA tournament was won by Madelene Sagstrom, who claimed her lone LPGA Tour victory at the 2020 event, shooting 17-under-271.

The Swedish native is slated to return to the tournament.

The Gainbridge LPGA tournament field will include 15 other top-25 players in the world, along with local fan favorites Thompson, Jessica Korda (Jupiter), Jaye Marie Green (Jupiter) and Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Boca Raton).

In total, 120 players will compete over 72 holes for a share of a $2 million purse.

FRANK FRANKLIN II/AP Karrie Webb will return to LPGA competition after a two-year absence.