2025 Standard Portland Classic tees off this week with women's golf legend

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The 2025 Standard Portland Classic tees off on Thursday, bringing women's golf to the Rose City once again.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association event is back after two years without a title sponsor.

Nancy Lopez is iconic for her trailblazing career, winning 48 LPGA tournaments. She's now returning to the Columbia Edgewater Golf Course in Northeast Portland, decades after winning the junior title at age 17.

Now Lopez is serving as a source of inspiration for the next generation of women athletes.

Child reporter Maeve Vigliotta is working on an upcoming Sports Illustrated article profiling Lopez.

"You don't really get to meet people like that in your lifetime," said Vigliotta, who is also an experienced golfer.

Vigliotta is returning Saturday to compete in the junior tournament that she won last year.

"She was like one of the people who like helped make women's golf popular...and that's just really cool for me," Vigliotta said, contemplating Lopez's legacy.

Vigliotta plays with First Tee Oregon, a program that teaches children golf and life skills, supported by the Standard Portland Classic this year.

After losing its title sponsor for two years, the 52-year-old tournament nearly folded but returned strong when Standard Insurance stepped in.

Formerly the Portland Classic, this long-running LPGA event celebrates the Rose City's sports community and showcases local businesses.

Lopez said the tournament feels like home.

"I really hold this place close to my heart when I think about Portland and playing," she said.

Tickets start at $25 and children 17 and under are free.

The tournament wraps Sunday with the cup presentation and a record $2 million purse.

The Standard Portland Classic has more information about the tournament.