Scott Simmons, executive director of Golf Canada, responded to an email today about the potential of a new LPGA event to be launched with a press event in Waterloo on June 28. I’m hearing the event has a 5-year commitment, which must mean a significant sponsor as well. LPGA events, however, cost a fraction of the $8-million it typically costs to sponsor a PGA Tour event, so it might be a smaller company stepping in. I’m not expecting it to be Research in Motion, by the way.
Anyway, Simmons responded to two questions — 1) Is the event good for Canadian golf and 2) How will it affect the CN Canadian Women’s Open.
Simmons had this to say:
1) Any new world class event in our country is good for Canadian golf
2) No, it shouldn’t impact the CN Canadian Women’s Open as the events will always be in different markets. In fact, the new event could inspire more people to take up golf, as a player or a follower, and become future fans of all the events.
While I agree, you’d have to wonder whether CN would bring the event to Ontario now that there’s competition in the market…
