Snow on the ground and freezing temperatures lead, naturally, to thoughts of green fairways and sinking putts, right?

So what better time for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) to announce the date of this year’s Valley Forge Invitational, a relatively new stop on the Symetra Tour, which is dubbed the Road to the LPGA, making its return to Montco.

“It is a very unique event,” VFTCB President Mike Bowman said. “The tour is growing and we expect the event to grow along with it.”

Symetra Tour Chief Business Officer Mike Nichols came to the tourism board’s office to make the announcement, along with Leila Mackie, player development coordinator of the Philadelphia PGA section.

Raven’s Claw Golf Club, located in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, will once again play host to the event, which is being held from May 27 through June 2.

“The economic impact of the event last year reached $1 million,” Bowman said. “We expect this year’s event to be over that.”

Included in that number were approximately 600 hotel stays.

The purse for the event will be $100,000, with the winner receiving $15,000.

VFTCB Chief Marketing Officer Ed Harris took the opportunity to talk about a new partnership with Montco Golf, the tourism board’s dedicated golf brand. Harris said they’re working with a tee time app and is developing an interactive map that will allow golfers to plan a weekend getaway in Montco that includes golf courses, hotels, restaurants, shops and more.

Anyone, or any business, interested in becoming a sponsor for the Valley Forge Invitational should contact Mike Nichols at mike.nichols@ lpga.com.

To learn more about the Symetra Tour click here