LPGA Championship Faces Uncertain Future

The ladies of the LPGA are getting ready to tee off in the season’s second major, the McDonald’s LPGA Championship, set to be played at Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre De Grace, Maryland.  But the optimism the golfers may have as they prepare to tackle Bulle Rock is being offset by the anxiety and uncertainty many of them are feeling as the future of the tournament remains up in the air.  As was announced last year by LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens, the championship is being taken over by the LPGA starting next year, a move that effectively ends a 29 year sponsorship run by McDonald’s.  It also signals this year’s tournament as the final one to be played at Bulle Rock.  At this time the LPGA has yet to determine the site of next year’s tourney, or whether any sponsors have come forward.

Paula Creamer (Image: Zuma Press)

Count world number three player Paula Creamer as one of those worried about the tournament’s future.  “I am concerned,” Creamer told reporters this past Tuesday.  “I’m 22 years old, this is my fifth year on Tour, and we don’t know where one of our majors is going to be. It’s a scary thought.”

This year’s LPGA Championship, however, is gearing up to be a dandy.  Thanks to the absence of a clear cut favorite, a la Annika Sorenstam, the tournament is up for grabs.  World number one Lorena Ochoa, fresh off a three week break, is looking to capture her third win of the year in only her ninth tournament.  Other contenders include last year’s winner Yani Tseng from Taiwan, the aforementioned Creamer, and Maria Hjorth of Sweden.