The title sponsor of the area’s new LPGA event intends to get its money’s worth.
At the Kellogg-Keebler Classic, 30-foot high “Tony the Tiger” and “Ernie the Keebler Elf” likenesses will float on a barge on the 18th-hole pond at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora.
Officials don’t believe the characters will be in danger of getting hit by the top women players in the world during the 54-hole tournament, which runs from May 31 through June 2. But helmets might be in order to protect them from some of the errant shots during the week’s pro-ams, which begin May 27.
“They’re sturdy,” tournament director Mark Hersch assured.
Hersch hopes Tony and Ernie are as effective selling women’s golf as they are selling cereal and cookies. The campaign began, shall we say, in earnest Monday with media day.
The Classic is important enough to the LPGA that Commissioner Ty Votaw flew in for the news conference. He was joined by Laura Diaz, one of the tour’s rising stars and a spokeswoman for Kellogg-Keebler.
The LPGA badly wants to make an impact in Chicago, which has been without a tour stop for nearly a decade. The tournament has commitments from 19 of the top 20 players in the world, including Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, Se Ri Pak and Juli Inkster. Nancy Lopez also will be in the field, in what she says will be her last full season on the LPGA Tour.
“We’re in New York and Los Angeles,” Votaw said. “We need to be in Chicago. We’re coming back in a way that makes us poised for success.”
Previous women’s ventures in this market were dogged by sponsorship problems, but the LPGA has a three-year commitment from Kellogg-Keebler.
“In the past we didn’t have an overall consistency in delivering the message,” Votaw said. “Once we’re here for a couple of years, people will know where we’re going to be and when it’s going to be held.”
Organizers are trying to get the message out by sending out passes to 40,000 juniors in the area. Also, children 16 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult.
Hersch says he’s encouraged by the response thus far. He said a good week would be a total attendance of 50,000 fans.
“I’d love to do 75,000,” he said. “We’ve got the best players here. It’s going to be a good event.”
Tribute: The winner of the tournament will receive the DeDe Owens Memorial Trophy. Owens, a longtime pro at Cog Hill, died in 1999.
Owens was extremely popular within the LPGA, receiving numerous citations for her teaching and contributions to the game.
Right number: The phone number for Lockport’s Broken Arrow Golf Club is 815-836-8858. That’s 815-836-8858. It was listed incorrectly in the Tribune’s Golf Source of April 14, and now that golf weather has arrived, the residents whose number was listed by mistake are being inundated with calls for tee times.
Broken Arrow Golf Club: 815-836-8858.
STATS & STUFF
YEAR TO REMEMBER
68.43 With Byron Nelson hosting his annual tournament this week, it is fitting to look back at his great career. In 1945, when he won 18 tournaments, including 11 in a row, he averaged 68.43 per round. Said Lee Trevino: “If you gave him today’s equipment, that average might be in the 65 range. It’s amazing what he did.”
$63,335
What Nelson pocketed for winning those 18 tournaments in 1945, collecting the money in war bonds. By contrast, this year’s winner of the Nelson will get $864,000.
WHO’S HOT
K.J. Choi
Score one for the South Koreans. Choi makes a move to make his name known worldwide with a victory in New Orleans. His title is the latest example of how golf truly has become a worldwide game.
WHO’S NOT
Colin Montgomerie
The one-time dominant player on the European Tour still is looking for his first victory this year. Even worse, Montgomerie has yet to post a top-10 finish. Approaching 39 in June, Monty has to wonder if his best years are behind him.
TIP FROM THE IPGA
This week’s tip comes from Jeff Pajula, head professional at Stonewall Orchard Golf Club in Grayslake.
Too often we become accustomed to using a pitching, sand or lob wedge for chip shots around the green. For better results, try the following: For pitch shots with a moderate amount of green to work with, use a less-lofted club, like a 7- or 8-iron. Pick a landing area and let the ball roll out to the pin. Just read the characteristics of the green and play the breaks just as you would with your putter. Take at least five minutes to practice this type of shot before your round. Be creative with club selection, and use this tip to simplify your game.
For more information, check www.ipga.com
THIS WEEK
PGA Tour
Verizon Byron Nelson Classic
Where: TPC Four Seasons, Cottonwood Valley Golf Club, Irving, Texas.
When: Thursday-Sunday.
TV: Golf Channel/Fox Sports Net, Thursday-Friday, 3-5:30 p.m.; WBBM-Ch. 2, Saturday-Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
Purse: $4.8 million.
2001 champion: Robert Damron.
Tiger Woods playing? Yes.
LPGA Tour
Aerus Electrolux USA Championship
Where: Legends Club of Tennessee, Franklin, Tenn.
When: Friday-Sunday.
TV: ESPN, Friday-Saturday, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, 3-5 p.m.
Purse: $800,000.
2001 champion: Juli Inkster.
Annika Sorenstam playing? Yes.
Senior PGA Tour
TD Waterhouse Championship
Where: Tiffany Greens Golf Club, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Friday-Sunday.
TV: Pax, Friday, 1-3 p.m.; CNBC, Saturday-Sunday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Purse: $1.6 million.
2001 champion: Ed Dougherty.
Tom Watson playing? No.
— Ed Sherman
