Kingsmill, LPGA extend partnership
BASKING in a May tournament that drew large galleries and produced anoth er marquee leaderboard, the Kingsmill
The parties announced the agree ment Tuesday, contracting the event with the James City County resort and ’ 20 planned for similar dates, said John Hilker, Kingsmill’s chief
To rave reviews from its players, ments on Kingsmill’s River Course. But resort ownership changes and a instability and one sabbatical, the
Escalante Golf, which purchased Kingsmill early this year and is accustomed to professional tour naments at its other properties, and the tournament’s senior staff met with Commissioner Michael during May’s event.
“We got on the ground and realized right away, Hilker said.
Escalante owns the Golf Club of Houston Open. The WinCo Foods Club in Oregon, which has also hosted
“We are thrilled Kingsmill Resort nership as it ensures that we will continue the rich tradition of show casing the best golfers in the world, at one of the very best resorts in the world,” Whan said in a statement. from the beautiful resort, to the championship River Course, to the incredible volunteers, to the way they treat players and fans alike.”
The Kingsmill Championship still lacks an outside title sponsor, leaving Escalante to absorb costs such as the Kingsmill’s purse will remain as is unless an outside sponsor is found, Hilker said.
a title sponsor,” he said. “We want to make sure we have a say in who that may be. … We kind of like be ing in charge of the tournament, but it comes at a pretty good cost. nel’s tournament telecasts), we also understand it might play better for all if we had a partner.”
Favored by ideal weather, this year’s tournament was among Kingsmill’s nika Sorenstam’s 2008 tournament record by a shot.
centric owner, and that focus was played the River Course in May.
“It feels like a step above every Tour winner Angela Stanford said then. “It’s about as close to a major that’s not a major.”