The Hamilton Spectator

CP Women’s Open returns to Calgary in 2024

- JOHN CHIDLEY-HILL

The CP Women’s Open is returning to Calgary.

Golf Canada named Earl Grey Golf Club in the city’s southwest corner as the 2024 host of the Canadian national women’s golf championsh­ip on Tuesday. Tournament director Ryan Paul said Calgary is the perfect location for the 50th edition of the Women’s Open.

“We’re very excited and we’re very proud of what we do with the CP Women’s Open and the alignment with Canadian Pacific Railway to keep bringing this great golf tournament across the country and showcasing the world’s best golfers to all Canadians,” said Paul, pointing out that CP, the event’s main sponsor, is headquarte­red in Calgary.

“There’s so many great Canadian golf markets and Calgary certainly is one of them. We know it’s going to be a great show and to be in CP’s headquarte­rs for our 50th playing, it’s just fitting that we’re going to be back in Calgary.”

Earl Grey will host the event July 22-28, a month earlier than its usual slot on the LPGA Tour schedule. This year’s tournament is scheduled for Shaughness­y Golf & Country Club in Vancouver from Aug. 21-27.

“Hosting this historic tournament gives us the opportunit­y to share our championsh­ip golf course to challenge the top players in the world,” said Earl Grey Club president Marion Burnyeat in a statement.

“The local golf community will come together in 2024 for this world-class tournament supported by the volunteer spirit for which Calgary is known.”

Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn won the Women’s Open by four strokes in 2016 when Calgary last hosted the tournament at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club. Paul said fans in southern Alberta will notice how much the event has grown since then.

“We’re very proud of our tournament­s. They’re more than just golf tournament­s,” said Paul. “They’re outdoor festivals, they’re sports and entertainm­ent properties and golf tournament­s, all rolled into one.”

Another big change is the emergence of Canadian golf superstar Brooke Henderson.

The product of Smiths Falls, Ont., played in the 2016 tournament as an 18-year-old, just three months after winning her first major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championsh­ip and two months after winning the Cambia Portland Classic, for her second and third career victories.

Since then, she has racked up 10 more LPGA titles for a total of 13, the most profession­al wins by any Canadian golfer regardless of gender.

Paul said that Henderson’s impact on the game is visible in the stands at the Women’s Open.

“The amount of kids that come out to see these golfers and be inspired by them, especially Brooke Henderson, is incredible,” he said. “Autograph alley is five feet deep for her, with kids trying to get an autograph from her and seeing her play.

“It’s incredible to see what she does for golf in this country.”

 ?? ADRIAN WYLD THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO ?? Brooke Henderson’s impact on the game of golf is visible in the stands at the CP Women’s Open. She has 13 career victories on the LPGA Tour, the most profession­al wins by any Canadian golfer regardless of gender.
ADRIAN WYLD THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO Brooke Henderson’s impact on the game of golf is visible in the stands at the CP Women’s Open. She has 13 career victories on the LPGA Tour, the most profession­al wins by any Canadian golfer regardless of gender.

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