By Bruce Campbell
sports reporterr
The best professional women golfers in the world are returning to Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club.
The 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open will be played at Priddis Greens – 10 years after the course hosted the du Maurier Classic in 1999.
Rob Hood, Priddis Green general manager, said several members of the Ladies Professional Golfers Association (LPGA) recommended Priddis Greens when asked about a golf course in Calgary during the CN Canadian Women’s Open last August in Edmonton.
“A number of them had played at Priddis Greens in 1999 and said, ‘Why don’t we play there?’” Hood explained.
Hood said one of the reasons Priddis Greens was awarded the bid was the success it had running the du Maurier Classic, which was then considered one of the four major tournaments on the LPGA tour.
While the CN Canadian Women’s Open is not considered a major tournament, Hood expects all the LPGA’s top stars to attend, including Lorena Ochoa of Mexico, who won the tournament in 2007. (She has also won the last four LPGA tournaments).
“What 1999 did for Priddis Greens is put us on the map,” Hood said.
“When we went to 36 holes in 2003, we added 125 memberships to the club and we thought it would take six years to sell those. We were actually fully subscribed before we opened the golf course.
“That was a direct result of hosting the du Maurier Classic in 1999. The same thing will happen in 2009 – it will raise our stature in the community.”
The Calgary Sport Tourism Authority has estimated the tournament will generate $15 million in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Priddis Greens expanded from 27 holes to 36 holes since 1999, however, the women will play the same 18 holes in 2009 as were played at the du Maurier Classic.
“The only difference from 1999 is that we have resurfaced all 18 greens and put in bent grass,” Hood said.
The women will play from the blacks at Priddis Greens in 2009 at 6,585 yards, up from 6,415 in 1999.
Hood said there is plenty of work to be done before the first swing at the 2009 Canadian Women’s Open, and will work closely with the MD of Foothills as the tourney approaches.
“When we held the tournament in 1999, about the only thing the MD was concerned about were restrictions on Priddis Green Drive,” Hood explained. “Back in 1999, we had to set up a security perimeter on Priddis Green Drive to ensure only those people with proper accreditation and passes got in. We will also be talking with RCMP about any concerns they have.”
Hall of Famer Karie Webb won the 1999 tournament at 11 under for the four-day tournament (the course was playing as a par 72 at the time) and she won $180,000.
Ochoa cashed in a $337,000 cheque for winning the CN Canadian Women’s Open last year at the Royal Mayfair in Edmonton.
“I think they will probably do as well or better in 2009,” Hood said. “But, obviously the course will be made challenging for them.”
For now, Priddis Greens is establishing their committees, but they will need help.
Hood estimates the course will need 1,400 volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer may call Priddis Green Golf and Country Club at 931-3171.
This year’s CN Canadian Women’s Ladies Open is in Ottawa Aug. 11-17.
No dates have been set for the 2009 Open at Priddis Greens. However, it is expected to be in late August. |
