LPGA: Kane humbled by the game, amazed by the attention
Watching Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Lorie Kane work the crowd Saturday at the CP Women’s Open, you’d have no idea she was coming off one of the worst performances of her pro career.
Kane was all smiles as she chatted with fans, shot promotional videos and watched some of the third-round action by a CP mini-train set up by the 12th tee at Magna Golf Club.
She struggled mightily in her record 29th career appearance at the tournament, with an 87-80 score line that left her last in the 153-player field at 23-over-par 167.
“This is a humbling game,” Kane said. “It can take everything you’ve got and beat you up bad. But then you know, I get to come back, I have the fan support. That’s the part that I’m still amazed at — that people care.”
One of the most personable and engaging athletes going, Kane is a beloved figure in the Canadian golf community. She feels the support from fans at every turn when she plays in this annual tournament.
Kane said she still has the drive to test herself against the best players on the LPGA Tour and also enjoys giving back in her role as ambassador for the CP Has Heart community investment program.
“I’m probably on the back nine of playing regularly,” Kane said.
“My relationship and my partnership with CP is extremely important to me. I’m hoping that I can continue to help them grow the heart health campaign and be a part of the CP Women’s Open until I probably don’t want to play.
“But next year, going to Shaughnessy (in Vancouver), is huge.”
Kane, a four-time winner on the LPGA Tour, plays a parttime competitive schedule that includes some Legends Tour stops.
“I knew that I was going to be up against it a little bit,” she said. “I haven’t had many tournament rounds under my belt to date. I had an injury this past winter that stopped me from going down to Australia. I normally play six to eight weeks down there.
“I had low expectations but by no means did I think I would stumble like I did on Thursday.”
Kane has 99 career top-10 finishes and has earned $6.95 million (U.S.) since turning pro in 1993.