LPGA to Return to British Columbia in 2003
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:18:04
From July 7-13, 2003, the LPGA Tour will return to B.C. for the first time since 1991, when Nancy Scranton won the du Maurier Classic at the Vancouver Golf Club. The 2003 Bank of Montreal Canadian Women's Open will be played following the U.S. Women's Open at Pumpkin Ridge in Portland, Oregon, which should help to ensure a top field.
"I am very excited to confirm that the 2003 Bank of Montreal Canadian Women's Open will be played at Point Grey Golf & Country Club," said Richard Desrochers, RCGA Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Championships. "The combination of one of the premiere events on the LPGA Tour, a beautiful and challenging course like Point Grey and a host city with all Vancouver has to offer is a sure recipe for success."
"Bank of Montreal is proud to bring the best of women's professional golf to British Columbia in 2003," said Maurice Hudon, President, Personal Banking Products, Bank of Montreal. "We are pleased to be able to move the location of the Bank of Montreal Canadian Women's Open to a different city every year, providing fans from across the country with the opportunity to attend this exciting event."
Founded in 1922, Point Grey has hosted an impressive array of tournaments, including the 1954 Canadian Open won by Pat Fletcher (the last Canadian winner), the Canadian PGA Championship (1948, '69), the 1961 Canadian Ladies' Amateur Championship, the 1978 Canadian Senior Championship, five B.C. Amateur Championships (1932, '55, '64, '76, '97) and most recently, the 2001 Canadian Tour's Telus B.C. Open.
Although many of those early champions would not recognize the course today due to extensive alterations and modernizations, Point Grey retains its championship lustre and challenge and remains one of B.C.'s most prestigious golf clubs.
"Point Grey Golf & Country Club has a rich tradition of hosting professional and
amateur tournaments and we welcome this opportunity to have the best women
golfers in the world play our course," said Frank Hacquoil, Club President. "We have a strong base of members and volunteers who, along with our staff and Board of Directors, are committed to making this a memorable event for players and fans alike."
The Bank of Montreal Canadian Women's Open is the only Canadian stop on the LPGA Tour. The inaugural event, held in 2001 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario saw Annika Sorenstam top a stellar field of contenders that included nine of the top-10 LPGA players. An equally impressive field is anticipated this year as the 2002 tournament tees off August 12-18 at Summerlea Golf & Country Club in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec.
