GALLOWAY – Everything from competing in high school state championships to making her professional debut at the course, Mays Landing native Joanna Coe has some history with Seaview’s Bay Course, site of the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer.
Coe secured one of the final two spots in this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic after winning an 18-hole qualifying tournament on Monday in Galloway. Coe was the only golfer in the qualifier to record a score under par with a 3-under 68.
With her qualifier win, Coe will be making her first appearance in an LPGA tournament since she participated in the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield. She qualified for that tournament as part of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team, which consisted of eight PGA of America teaching professionals.
In 2011, Coe made her first professional appearance at the ShopRite LPGA Classic as a sponsor exemption.
“Like this place has brought some amazing memories and some of the most difficult golf course moments of my life,” Coe said about her experience at the 2011 ShopRite LPGA Classic. “I wish I had the experience and the maturity that I have now back when I made my pro debut here.”
Coe admitted that when she was making her professional debut at Seaview 14 years ago, she had some nerves.
“Walking into this room, I wasn’t nervous whatsoever. When I was 20, 21 years old I would’ve been freaking out,” Coe said comparing her experience this year to her experience in 2011. “I wish I had a little bit of that maturity and experience back then.”
Coe added that in 2011, she was still working at playing golf professionally and that she made it a big deal. However, she said that the added pressure caused her not to swing freely, which did not allow her to play her best golf.
This time around, Coe’s taking a different approach. This weekend it is about having fun, just hitting shots, and deescalating and not make a big deal out of everything.
Coe said that her change in attitude to how she approaches a round of golf can be attributed to teaching golf.
Now, the Director of Instruction at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Coe said that teaching has brought stability and happiness to her life. She added that when she was in her early 20s and playing she was happy, but felt like since her score was connected to her name that it was also part of her identity.
Now, Coe says, “Now that’s not my identity. I’m so happy with everything I’m doing at Merion and at home with golf, so it’s just a bonus for me.”
However, having fun and just hitting shots does not mean that Coe is not looking to compete. On the contrary, Coe said, “For me, when I’m out there I’m going to try to compete as hard as I can. I think the true Joanna Coe can get it done.”
Coe added, “I always find it a really fun challenge. I love competitive golf. It’s a high to show up in these things. To hit a couple good shots and make a little bit of noise would be fun.”
Coe will begin her quest to “make a bit of noise” at the 2025 ShopRite LPGA Classic on Friday in Galloway. Tickets for the tournament can be purchased by visiting https://shopritelpgaclassic.com/tickets, and for those who cannot make it to the Jersey shore, live action can be caught on the Golf Channel from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
