Inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic PGA TOUR Champions Celebrates First Winner: Steven Alker

On Sunday, Oct 4, as Steven Alker sank a putt on the 18th green at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he became the first winner of the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic presented by Sodexo, a PGA TOUR Champions event. Alker received the inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic trophy from Jefferson Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Nick Ragone. 

“This is a memorable day for everyone here, the entire Greater Lehigh Valley community, as well as Jefferson colleagues, who celebrate Alker’s win while anticipating that next year’s event will be as exciting for fans and competitors as this year’s tournament was,” Ragone said. “Congratulations to Steven and everybody who helped make this inaugural event such a success.” Next year’s tournament will be held Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2027, the second year of a five-year commitment.

More than 30,000 spectators traveled to Lehigh Country Club, the picturesque and challenging setting for the first PGA TOUR event to have a regular presence in the region in more than five decades. The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, held Oct. 2-4, featured spirited competition among 78 greats of the sport, including Ernie Els, Stewart Cink, Colin Montgomerie, Rocco Mediate, Vijay Singh, and dozens more.

Generous fan support for the tournament also resulted in support for three charities: Eagles Autism Foundation, Stop Hunger, and Valley Youth House. 

“From the beginning, charitable support and giving back was a key driver for the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic,” Ragone said. “Our expectations have been exceeded by the turnout for three pro-ams that took place in the days leading up to the tournament, as well as support from the business community and golf fans throughout this region, which will result in meaningful donations to our primary charities, as well as support to many others in this area.” 

Volunteers also were integral to the tournament’s success, with nearly 1,000 volunteers from the community and Lehigh Country Club as well as Jefferson. “Participation from enthusiastic volunteers is what makes a large tournament such as this possible,” Ragone said. “We appreciate every moment of their time and thank them for showing genuine hospitality to the fans and players alike. We look forward to having these volunteers bring their experiences back to next year’s tournament.”

The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic also celebrated the sport with events to make golf accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities and preferences: 

• EY All-Abilities Clinic – An adaptive, all-inclusive golf clinic with adaptability coaches from the Golf Association of Philadelphia. 
• Junior Clinic – Presented by Lower Macungie Township, kids from the region had the chance to work on their golf swings and meet golf legends in person. 
• EY Sensory Center – A unique offering for neurodiverse fans to find respite during the tournament, created in partnership with the Jefferson Health Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. 

And to honor our military and give thanks for their sacrifices, a Folds of Honor flag ceremony and flyover was conducted at the start of the first round on Friday, Oct. 2. The opening ceremony also included the announcement of scholarships to local families. 

“We thank the fans, volunteers, and Lehigh Country Club for embracing this new PGA TOUR Champions event,” Ragone said. “We are proud to be part of the fabric of the Lehigh Valley area and look forward to many more successful Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic tournaments.”  

All three rounds of the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic were televised on GOLF Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions.  

In anticipation of next year’s tournament, set again at Lehigh Country Club, save the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2027 on your calendar. Stay up to date on pro-am opportunities and ticket sales at JeffersonClassic.com.