14 year anniversary of local LPGA tournament
The local LPGA Tournament was a summer attraction that brought thousands of people to either Avalon Lakes or Squaw Creek to watch the worlds best players.
The local LPGA Tournament was a summer attraction that brought thousands of people to either Avalon Lakes or Squaw Creek to watch the worlds best players.
Today marks the 14th anniversary of the final tournament on July 18, 2004. Moria Dunn was the winner of the final event at Squaw Creek and won $150,000.
The tournament was in the Valley for 15 years starting in 1990. From 1990 through 1992 it was The Pharmor, from 1993 through 1996, the Youngstown Warren LPGA Classic and from 1997 through 2004 The Giant Eagle LPGA Classic.
There were three two time winners. Tammie Green in 1994 and 1997, Michelle McGann in 1995 and 1996 and Dorothy Delasin in 2000 and 2001.
The tournaments first winner in 1990 was Beth Daniel and she won $50,000 while Dunn won $100,000 more 15 years later.
The event drew some of the top players at that time in Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez, among others.
Local charities were the big winners. In the final year, $365,000 went to various organizations and more than 4.2 million over the time of the tournament.
