“It’s hard to believe. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to understand what happened,” Nordqvist said as he prepared to defend his LPGA championship.
All went well. The loyal Swede, who played his fifth professional tournament, played a final of 4 minus 68 at Bulle Rock a year ago to defeat Lindsey Wright with four punches, and his fantastic debut year by winning the final of the LPGA Tour Championship, finished Season
Nordqvist, 23, sixth in the world ranking, will try for the first time to defend his short career on familiar terrain. McDonald’s, a longtime sponsor of the MyWegmansConnect LPGA Championship, did not renew its sponsorship and the event moved to the Locust Hill Country Club in a suburb of Rochester, New York, when Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. agreed to host its own tournament. organize and sponsor on a one year contract.
This became an embarrassing scenario for new LPGA commissioner Mike Whan. It is greatly appreciated that Wegmans is still in the conflict in these tough economic times.
Seniors rely on quality long-term associates, long-term locations, and the right fan base. All in Rochester,” said Whan. They chat about history, community, longevity, and Wegmans just accept all of these things.
When you talk to players about places that have a special place (in their hearts), they are conversing about Rochester, the fans, the volunteers, and the sponsors they have known for decades,” said Whan. “It was something special. We’re just adding a few names to the banner this year.”
Wegmans has been an LPGA partner for over three decades and their June tournament is one of the most visited events on the calendar. The big change and the Wegman family wants it to last over a year, increased ticket sales this year by more than 50%.
Record galleries are expected at Locust Hill, which has never hosted a MyWegmansConnect specialty. The game of the first round begins on Thursday morning.
“Once I get here, golf is important,” said Nordqvist, who finished 36th the week after Bulle Rock won Wegmans LPGA 2009. “Many fans go. I like that in the parking lots, in the backyards (tournament) “
