Montgomery County’s own Emily Gimpel came out to Raven’s Claw Golf Club just outside Pottstown Tuesday to talk about what it means to have the tour she plays on, the LPGA’s Symetra Tour, teeing it up in her own backyard.

Raven’s Claw will host the inaugural Valley Forge Invitational from Thursday, May 24 through Saturday, May 26, one of three new events on the Symetra Tour schedule in 2018, according to a press release from the Symetra Tour. 

In addition, a “Meet the Players” party will take place on Tuesday, May 22, with a festive Pro-Am event following on May 23, which will allow local businesses to entertain their top customers and prospects alongside future LPGA Tour stars.

Several sponsors have already signed on to bring the Valley Forge Invitational to southeast Pennsylvania including Yuengling, the oldest operating brewing company in the United States.

“The new Valley Forge Invitational will be instrumental for women’s golf and our sports scene for the greater Philadelphia area,” said Yuengling’s Chief Operating Officer, David Casinelli. “The Yuengling Brewery is happy to be a supporter of this week-long celebration, and we look forward to a long and successful run for this prestigious event in our community.”

Other organizations that have stepped forward include the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Yamaha, The SunnyBrook Ballroom and Elmwood Park Zoo. Located in Norristown, Pa., Elmwood Park Zoo is home to Noah, the bald eagle sideline mascot for the 2018 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

“Having an event of this caliber will have a hugely positive economic impact on Montgomery County and the region,” said President and CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Mike Bowman. “Besides highlighting women’s professional golf, the Tour spotlights Raven’s Claw, and the more than 50 other great public courses and private clubs that we have in Montco.”

Since it opened in 2005, Raven’s Claw Golf Club has been a consistent selection on the list of “Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Daily Fee” courses, as selected by Golfweek.

Emily grew up adjacent to Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, where her father not only taught her how to play, but more importantly instilled in her a love for the game which still remains.

As a child, Emily played many other competitive sports including swimming, field hockey, and volleyball. Emily attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy for high school, where she was a district-qualifier swimmer and was fortunate to be a member of 2 State Championship Golf teams, and 2 State Runner-Up teams and a State Individual Medalist in 4 years!

Check out the video below to get to know Emily Gimpel and what life is like for a Symetra Tour player.