I was excited to see the release of the 2010 LGPA schedule yesterday! There were many concerns mid-season regarding how the 2010 schedule would look. We had a third of our events up for renewal during a difficult economic time. I remained confident, however, in the LPGA product because the quality of golf has never been better and there is great mix of international and American stars that have a lot of talent and personality. After the success of the Solheim Cup and the election of Acting Commissioner, Marty Evans, the Tour started to gain momentum. I am excited as I look at the schedule on paper, as well as hearing of the interest in more events that may possibly be added.
We will start next year with two international events in mid February. Until then, I will enjoy some time off for the holidays and will also have time to work on my game and train before the start to the new year. There have been seasons in the past where I only had two weeks off and by the beginning of January, the season was off and running. I am really looking forward to playing at the La Costa Resort & Spa in March for a new tournament spot during the LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf. The following week is the first major of the year, the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
April and May only have two events right now. I am hoping that we are able to fill those dates with a few more events. June is going to be a busy month! There are four straight events, including a major, followed by the U.S. Women’s Open the first week of July.
After five straight events, we will have a week off before we travel overseas to my two favorite events, the Evian Masters in France and the British Open in England. I am really pleased we have a week off before and after those events. The travel overseas is not easy and I like to have time before and after international events to recoup.
August, September and October all have two events per month with a new stop in Acapulco, Mexico. It is also very exciting that the purses are strong throughout the entire season and many event purses have gone up!! The season comes to an end in November with an event in Japan, Mexico and finally the LPGA Tour Championship.
What I like about the schedule overall is the flow of events, that the purses are up, and that we also have a good mix of international and domestic events. We have a new Commissioner too which is very exciting! Marty Evans did a wonderful job during her time as Acting Commissioner. Thank you to everyone for all of your support during the 2009 season!
New 2010 Schedule!
