The 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.