What a week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Windy conditions on Friday proved a considerable challenge for many players, keeping shots low and scores high. Former Rolex Ranking world #1, Jiyai Shin, proved why she's still a force the be reckoned with, firing a first-round 66. On her heels was Sandra Gal, just one shot back and rehashing the exciting competition between the two players at the Kia Classic earlier in the year, where Gal captured her first professional victory.

Competition began to heat up during the second round, as Tour veterans Cristie Kerr and Catriona Matthew posted low rounds to end the day numbers one and two, respectively, on the leaderboard. Record crowds also witnessed the emergence of Brittany Lincicome, who shot the low round of the day, 64. And finally, round-one leader Jiyai Shin finished with a 71, making three players within three shots of leader Cristie Kerr.

The Classic's final round was a battle to the finish. Jiyai Shin fired a final-round 66, forcing playing partner Brittany Lincicome to birdie the 18th for the outright lead. Despite an extremely difficult lie, Lincicome executed the perfect chip shot, draining her birdie putt. The last group, however, included Cristie Kerr, who could eagle the short, par five 18th to force Lincicome into a playoff. Just shy of the green, Kerr's chip shot was on track but left short, officially crowning Brittany Lincicome the 2011 ShopRite LPGA Classic champion. The win was Lincicome's first in two years, and fourth overall.

Congratulations to Brittany Lincicome, and thank you to all the players, fans, volunteers, Tournament partners and everyone else involved in making the 2011 Tournament a success!

Preparing a golf course for a professional tournament takes a lot of time, resources and cooperation from the weather. Kevin DeDonato, Director of Golf at Seaview, took time out from the resort's preparation for the ShopRite LPGA Classic to answer a few questions about Seaview's historic courses and what the ladies will face in June.

Q: Seaview has a great history, and a famous designer to thank: Donald Ross. Other than Mr. Ross, what makes this course so special?

The Bay is a special course because of all the unique history surrounding the course. Being almost 100 years old, on the coast of Reeds Bay and playing host to the 1942 PGA Championship are just a few special characteristics. There are so many great and extremely influential players that have played here: Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, former presidents, and LPGA stars like past ShopRite LPGA Classic champions Annika Sorenstam, Cristie Kerr and Angela Stanford.

Q: What changes were made to the golf course since the 2010 ShopRite LPGA Classic, and what can the ladies expect?

We have re-soded all of the fescue mounds with a new fine fescue, renovated all of the bunkers, done some drainage work and added two new bunkers. These additions include a bunker in the middle of number three fairway and another bunker wrapping around the mounds on the left side of number one fairway. Also, a large portion of the fairway and greenside bunkers have been expanded making them much larger than in previous years.

Q: How does your staff prepare for such a large and significant event?

Our maintenance crew spends significant time preparing the golf course before the event. In the month leading up to the event, they are all working 50-60 hour work weeks with special attention to detail work like edging cart paths and clearing out-of-play areas for tents. During the week of the tournament, our staff will be at the facility starting at 3:30 in the morning to prepare the course.

Q: What are some memorable moments for you involving the ShopRite LPGA Classic?

When Annika (Sorenstam) won it was exciting, as was last year when the winner, Ai Miyazato, took over the number one spot in the world. Seeing the players at our facility and hearing them talk about the golf course and how much they enjoy playing here is always nice.

Q: What advice would you give first-time players?

Hit the ball in the fairway, stay on the correct side of the hole and stay out of the fescue.

Welcome to the ShopRite LPGA Classic Tournament Blog! Here you will find the latest news and info about the Tournament, and get an inside look about what to expect during Tournament week.

The inaugural post is a Q&A with ShopRite LPGA Classic Executive Director, Tim Erensen. Find out what changes fans can expect during the Tournament by reading below...

Q: The Tournament is just 28 days away. What can fans expect this year?

This event attracts one of the best fields on the LPGA's calendar. Fans will enjoy an exciting weekend of golf with the game's biggest names. We had such a great Tournament in 2010, for 2011 we really focused on fine tuning some elements of the event. The first big change spectators will notice is the new entrance on the east side of Rt. 9 with a more interactive Spectator Village. There are also some fun events throughout the week for the public to enjoy: autograph signing with Michelle Wie, Junior Golf Show put on some of the LPGA players, and much more added to our Tournament schedule. (Click here to keep an eye on the Tournament schedule for more details)

We're also excited to be back at the newly-renovated Seaview Resort, which was recently purchased by nearby Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. For the people who haven't seen it yet, they'll be impressed with the new and improved Seaview.

Q: What makes the ShopRite LPGA Classic so special?

The greater Atlantic City area is a great place to hold a professional golf tournament. The community has really embraced and staked claim to this event, which is what made it so easy to reintroduce to the area in 2010. Everyone from the local businesses to volunteers and our charity partners contribute to the success of this event. The strong golf community in this part of the country mixed with the excitement of Atlantic City creates a great atmosphere for the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Q: The ShopRite LPGA Classic is tagged as A Shore Tradition. What does this mean to the fans?

Because of its rich history in this area, the ShopRite LPGA Classic has developed from an annual event to a yearly tradition. From the moment we announced its return in 2010, we've been inundated with stories from people about how glad they are that the Tournament is back, and how much they missed it while it was gone.

Q: Why is charitable giving a priority for this Tournament?

Since ShopRite became the title sponsor of the Tournament in the early 90s, they have been able to use this Tournament as a vehicle to raise more than $23 million for charitable organizations in their service areas. Although the Tournament itself is just a week long, the community really benefits from its presence year-round.

Q: You've been involved with the LPGA for many years. What do you think the future has in store for the Tour?

Since Commissioner Mike Whan has taken the reins, there have been many positive signs for the future of the LPGA. The players are truly the Tour's best asset. They are all committed to providing world class entertainment each week they play and really get engaged in every community they visit.