The Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill is now defunct following the decision by Anheuser-Busch, which owns the Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, Va., not to renew its contract as title sponsor. The company says it will remain involved with the LPGA, but not as a big-dollar tournament sponsor.
The Michelob Ultra Open, sometimes called the fifth major, was a favorite of players, and one of the rare LPGA tournaments to get good television coverage. Its removal from the 2010 schedule leaves the number of LPGA events under contract for next year only in the high teens.
An LPGA Tour official in attendance at the press conference announcing the decision today said the tour is still in talks with nine other tournaments about renewals for 2010 and beyond, and that several new events are being pursued.
Comments
It’s a shame to lose that tournament. It was a great venue and the ladies always brought their best to the community. Hopefully, they won’t have problems with other tournaments.
The problem with the LPGA is that it as become the “Asian Tour”. Week after week I see names of players I do not recognize and who, when interviewed, speak very poor English. Consequently, the American TV viewing public does not develop a following for these ladies. Annika Sorenstam spoke English very well. This ability made it possible for the American viewing public to “get to know her” as a persononality….not just a ball striker. As the number of American players declines on the the LPGA Tour, so does the interest of the American TV viewers. Once the viewership is gone the sponsors will take their cash and put it else where. Unless, and until, the LPGA develops more American golfers of prominence, the LPGA will have to refocus as the “International Ladies Golf Association” and play on far more foreign sites with more foreign sponsors. Otherwise, in my opinion, the LPGA is doomed to a fairly quick death.