Wascana shining on big stage

Club transformed for LPGA event

Greg Dukart is like a proud father as he strolls through the galleries and surveys the action at the CP Women’s Open.

The Wascana Country Club’s CEO can’t help but smile as he reflects upon a three-year journey that began when his club first decided to stick its neck out and bid for one of the biggest sporting events in Canada.

“It’s a real process and it’s very fulfilling to see the process unfold and unfold successfully to this point,” said Dukart.

“Going back five, 10, 15, 20 years — pick a number — if anyone would have said we’re bringing the LPGA to Regina, Saskatchewan, they would probably laugh: ‘What chance do you have?’ Now that it’s here, we’re proving we can host it. The fans have been fantastic. We’re expecting great crowds on the weekend. It’s so nice to see everyone behind us.”

The transformation of the club has been striking due to the largescale production involved in an LPGA event. Temporary expansion makes the grounds difficult to recognize, especially when you add in the army of 1,100 volunteers and the throng of fans roaming the course.

Now that it’s here, we’re proving we can host it. The fans have been fantastic. We’re expecting great crowds on the weekend.

Organizers are hoping the weather holds despite a blip on the radar with rain forecasted for Sunday’s championship round.

Either way, Dukart is proud of what has been accomplished and intrigued by the possibilities for the future.

“In my position you’re always speculating what might happen,” he said.

“But I think it’s important (right now) that we just produce this one to a very high standard and leave a great legacy.”

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., matched her stellar Day 1 score with another six-under-par 66 on Friday. Her 12-under total was tied for second place at press time, just one shot behind Korea’s Amy Yang.