Kane keeps coming back to CP Women’s Open
Charlottetown native makes record-tying 28th appearance in Canadian tournament
It’s a walk that never gets old for Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Lorie Kane.
She received a warm ovation as she strolled up the 18th fairway Friday after making a record-tying 28th appearance at the CP Women’s Open.
“I’m sure there will come a time where I may decide that might be the last,” Kane said. “As for right now, I don’t see that in my near future. At least I hope.”
The 53-year-old from Charlottetown struggled in both rounds at the Wascana Country Club. She missed the cut after shooting a 77 on Friday, a day after opening the tournament with an 83.
Kane plays the occasional event on the LPGA Tour and also keeps busy with appearances on the Legends Tour. Quick with a smile and always keen to sign autographs and chat with fans, she remains as popular as ever. Like Brooke Henderson, Kane’s picture is featured on promotional banners around the course and she has become an ambassador for the game throughout the country.
Kane took part in a charity clinic this week and was also a featured speaker at a women’s leadership panel. She believes in a ‘Lift and Climb’ philosophy so that others can benefit.
“For me that means as I’m climbing, I want to bring somebody with me because I was lifted,” Kane said. “I was lifted high and I’m just trying to return the favour.”
Longtime golf analyst Bob Weeks of TSN said Kane is very passionate about her work on and off the course.
“It’s a feel-good story of someone who has gained a lot from golf but has probably given back 10 times more in terms of Canadian golf and where she’s taken it.”
Kane has been the low Canadian at this tournament on nine occasions - eight outright and one tie - with her best result coming in 2001 with a thirdplace tie.
After hitting the 18th green with her approach shot on Friday, Kane acknowledged the supporters by taking off her red visor and waving at the crowd.
“I’ve never spent too much time looking back,” Kane said of her long career. “I hope to just be able to continue to look forward. But there is nothing like that walk up 18.”
The four-time LPGA Tour winner shares the tournament’s all-time appearance record with JoAnne Carner.
The mark will likely be broken next year at the Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ont.
In fact, chances are good that Kane will receive an exemption to participate for as long as she wants to continue to playing at the event.