Masson back to defend title at Manulife Classic
Champ back in town to talk up tournament
NORTH DUMFRIES — Caroline Masson loves celebrating in Waterloo Region.
The German golfer picked up her first — and only — tour victory last year when she claimed top spot at the Manulife LPGA Classic at Whistle Bear Golf Club.
On Monday morning, she returned to the area to promote next month’s sixth and potentially final instalment of the tournament, and was feted yet again.
This time, staff at the course brought out a cake and sang “Happy Birthday” to the Gladbeck native who turned 28 on Sunday.
“I can’t wait to come back and play again,” said Masson, who shot a 5-under 67 to tame the Bear last September. “It was fantastic (last year), and I’m not just saying that.
“The first time playing here I said I think I’m going to win in Canada one day. It reminds me of home.”
Sure enough, Masson worked her way up from fifth to first in the final round to pick up a cheque for $240,000 US and claim the title.
“It meant a lot to me and it still does,” she said.
She’ll be in tough to repeat the feat.
The field will see 150 golfers battle for the $1.7-million purse at the North Dumfries course from June 7 to 11. The tournament already received early commitments from top players including Brooke Henderson, Brittany Lang, Lexi Thompson, Ariya Jutanugarn and Suzann Pettersen.
This is the final year with Manulife as the title sponsor, which leaves the tournament’s future up in the air. That fact wasn’t lost on Masson and Paris native Jennifer Kirby, who also attended Monday’s media day.
“The more tournaments (in Canada) the better,” said Kirby. “I know all the players love coming back to Canada.”
Masson sure has fond memories.
“People just aren’t attending, but they’re into it,” she said of the engaged crowd. “They’re supportive and clap a lot. They just love to see us out there. It’s a lot of fun for all of us to come back here, and the course has been great, too.”
She’s particularly excited for the formal introductions.
“I think when they announce on the first tee that I am the defending champ, that will be really cool,” she said.
Masson sunk nine birdies during her final round last year, but it wasn’t an easy finish as she had to sweat a trio of hardcharging rivals finishing behind her to clinch the win.
“That was more nerve-racking than actually playing,” she said.
But when the victory was official, peers surprised the German by dousing her with beer to mark the achievement. That’s something Masson will never forget.
“I remember I had to catch a flight that night back to Germany and I wasn’t able to change because it was getting late,” she said. “I think the person that had to sit next to me did not have a good flight.”