One year after making Epson Tour history, Mia Hammond is back where it all began.

This week, the incoming Duke University freshman returns to Highland Meadows Golf Club as the defending champion of the Greater Toledo Classic after becoming the first amateur to win on the Epson Tour in five years. Playing off a sponsor exemption in 2025, the New Albany, Ohio, native fired rounds of 66-66-69 and birdied the 72nd hole to secure a 12-under, one-shot victory, becoming just the eighth amateur to win on the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA.

Now, Hammond tees it up with a new distinction as the tournament's defending champion. Should she successfully defend her title, she would become the first player to do so since Marilyn Lovander won back-to-back Ronald McDonald House FUTURES Classic titles in 1994 and 1995, and just the fifth player in Epson Tour history to accomplish the feat.

Despite the added attention, Hammond's approach hasn't changed.

"Honestly, it's a weird feeling," Hammond said. "I've had to defend a couple of tournaments here and there but never to this caliber. Honestly, my expectations are the same as last year. It's to come out here and have fun more than anything else."

The biggest difference isn't the trophy. It's perspective.

The opportunity to compete alongside Epson Tour professionals remains something Hammond refuses to take for granted, even after last year's breakthrough win.

"Playing in a professional tournament no matter what is an honor and privilege," Hammond said. "Everyone here has always been so kind and so welcoming, and especially this year, most of the volunteers know me by name, which is kind of crazy to think about. Appreciating that and taking that moment in and not taking anything for granted is going to be the most important thing."

Last summer, Hammond arrived as one of 102 competitors chasing a title. Now, she comes back to a community that remembers exactly how she won it.

Returning to Highland Meadows has also brought back memories of the closing moments of last year's victory. Earlier this week, during a practice round, Hammond found herself standing in nearly the same spot on the par-5 18th hole where she hit the approach shot that ultimately set up the winning birdie.

"Seeing the Grand Tents in the back, seeing the same environment during tournament week, it brings back a lot of those moments of how nervous and excited I felt," Hammond said. "It was kind of a flush of emotion rather than being able to pinpoint one specific thing. It's definitely a confidence booster.

Last year's breakthrough continues to shape Hammond well beyond one tournament.

This fall, she will begin her collegiate career at Duke University carrying something few freshmen can claim: a win on the Official Qualifying Tour of the LPGA. Hammond said those opportunities against professionals have helped prepare her for the next chapter.

"Knowing that I've been able to compete at the highest level of the game and these other events definitely takes some nerves away,” Hammond said. “Everyone's out here for the same reason and understanding that we're all in the same position and we're just trying to win a tournament is important."

While last year's victory proved Hammond belongs on the professional stage, it also provided valuable lessons she'll carry into this week's championship.

Late in the final round, Hammond held the lead before a bogey on the par-4 16th which forced her to regroup heading into the closing stretch. Instead of dwelling on the possibilities, she plans to stay focused on the shot in front of her.

"Being patient is a big thing," Hammond said. "My mind was racing ahead to the end. I was thinking, 'What is going to happen if I don't birdie? What is going to happen if I do birdie?' This year, I just need to stay present and in the moment. It's one shot at a time. Whatever happens is going to happen."

That outlook reflects how much Hammond has grown in just 12 months.

The teenager who arrived in northwest Ohio hoping to test herself against professionals now returns as the tournament's defending champion. The volunteers know her name. The fans remember the winning putt. The confidence she gained at Highland Meadows has helped prepare her for the next stage of her career.

The course hasn't changed.

But Mia Hammond has.

Hammond will join the 144-player field July 17-19 at Highland Meadows Golf Club for the 2026 Greater Toledo Classic. Tickets are on sale now at the official tournament website. For tickets, hospitality packages, volunteer opportunities or more information, visit toledoclassic.com/tickets/ or EpsonTour.com.

One Year After Making History, Mia Hammond Returns to the Greater Toledo Classic

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