LPGA events get underway as CP Women’s Open begins

For the first time in Saskatchewan, the LPGA’s best are in town to battle it out for over $2 million USD at the CP Women’s Open.

Wascana Country Club is hosting the prestigious event from Aug. 20-26.

The event gets underway Monday at the Royal Regina Golf Course with the final four spots in the tournament up for grabs.

Nineteen competitors will challenge for a chance to play in the tournament. Among those competing in the qualifier are Saskatoon’s Carla Odnokon and Bobbi Brandon, Estevan’s Amanda Minchin and Regina’s Brooke Hill.

Greg Dukart, CEO of Wascana Country Club, said the tournament will give fans a chance to get to know some of golf’s best.

“It will be a great opportunity to get up close and just watch these players and see how good they are,” Dukart said.

In order to prepare for the tournament, the course underwent massive repairs due to winter kill. More than 225,000 square feet of new sod and grass was imported to get the course in shape for the tournament.

Dukart said the economic impact for the city will be between $7 million and $10 million.

The event will also bring great exposure to the city with the tournament being broadcasted on the Golf Channel, which has a target audience of around 500 million viewers.

The CP Women’s Open first round will begin on Thursday and will feature some of golf’s best including Canadian Brooke Henderson.

Tournament need-to-know

With the tournament getting underway this week, there’s a few things spectators should keep in mind.

There will be no vehicle access through the main club entrance unless the vehicle has the appropriate permit. Main admission is located off of Wascana Drive and all public shuttles will drop off and pick up spectators at the entrance area.

Mobile devices must be on silent at all times and flash may not be used. Devices can be used to capture photos, audio and video for personal purposes only and cannot be used commercially.

There is no live streaming, or shot-by-shot coverage, of the tournament allowed. Phone calls are allowed only in designated areas.

No cameras other than smartphones will be allowed on site during the championship rounds from Thursday to Sunday.

Juniors under the age of 17 are permitted access to the grounds free of charge. Junior passes do not get a person access to the clubhouse, marquees, skyboxes or CP 17th Green Fan Zone.

The following items are prohibited from entering the grounds:

• Cameras (allowed Monday to Wednesday only)
• Video cameras
• Bags, backpacks and packages (12 inches x six inches x 12 inches or smaller allowed)
• Radios, televisions, computers or laptops
• Noise making devices
• Posters, signs or banners
• Oversized chairs, seat cushions or bicycles
• Pets (other than service animals)
• Stepladders or stepstools
• Coolers, food and beverages
• No plastic, metal or glass cups, cans or containers of any kind except for medical or infant needs