Bell Micro Moves To April 2010
by hound dog on Mar 18, 2009 8:31 AM PDT
Email
PrintThe LPGA announced today that the Bell Micro LPGA Classic (scheduled for October 8-11 in Mobile, Alabama) will be moved to a new date in April 2010. In the press release, Commissioner Bivens gave reasons for the move that the date "better suits the title sponsor and allows the venue to continue with their facility and course enhancements". Bell Micro will honor the two remaining years on their contract, which suggests that the third event will be held in April 2011.
This change reduces the number of LPGA events in 2009 to 29, down from the 34 played in 2008. The news just keeps getting better and better...
UPDATE: After sleeping on it, I see some silver linings to the change. First - while we are losing a 2009 event, at least we aren't LOSING an event. Actually, securing the guarantee of a 2011 event in Mobile may outweigh this loss significantly. Who knows whether the economy will allow the Tour even 29 events in 2011?
Second - the LPGA schedule has become extremely back-end loaded. Moving an event from autumn to spring plugs a very large hole in the Tour's April slate and opens space for another event on the fall Asian swing should one be considered. Splitting the two Alabama events will also probably help the attendance for both, given that most patrons wouldn't be able or willing to attend an LPGA event in consecutive weeks.
Also, it seems that there was much doubt about the course renovations being completed by October. Questions about why those renovations are lagging behind aside, it certainly behooves the LPGA to allow Magnolia Grove to complete them so the course can be tournament-ready.
2 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Catch a Break, if you don't mind waiting a few years...
I read your post and that Bell Micro event held some obscure significance, but I couldn’t place it initially. Then I remembered: It was the exemption awarded to the female winner of Big Break Michigan, Bernadette Luse, a former LPGA player.
That series was filmed in July 2008. It was already a very lengthy delay by Big Break standards, 15 months between filming until use of the exemption. Make that 21 months. I hope she’s still playing.
I actually like this change
The LPGA should have a southeastern swing following the Kraft Nabisco.
http://mlyhlss.blogspot.com/2009/02/april-is-cruelest-month-for-lpga-in.html
by The Constructivist on Mar 18, 2009 2:39 PM PDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
