Canadian Pacific has stepped up to become the title sponsor of the Canadian Women’s Open Golf Championship.
The three year agreement will see the tournament renamed the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open with the inaugural event being held at the London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ont. next August.
Canadian Pacific takes over from Canadian National, which had been the title sponsor of the event since 2006.
“Having been involved in this great championship in the past, I am well aware of the significant benefits of associating our brand to this event and to the lasting charitable legacy in the communities where we do business,” said Canadian Pacific CEO Hunter Harrison. “Together with our dedicated team of railroaders and the support of our great customers, I am confident we will take this event to new heights and continue to preserve its status as the premier event on the LPGA Tour.”
In one of its first moves, Canadian Pacific announced an increase in the purse for next year’s event to $2.25-million (US).
“For our players, this championship has become a must-play event and we look forward to working with Canadian Pacific to showcase the LPGA Tour to millions of golf fans in Canada, across North America and throughout the world,” said LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan who was also on hand for the official announcement on Wednesday.
The tournament returns to London for the first time since 2006 when Cristie Kerr overcame an 8-stroke deficit to claim her first Canadian Open title.
“The London Hunt Club is a fantastic golf course,” said Kerr. “There are a lot of pin placements they can tuck and you have four or five yards over a bunker and not much behind it. You really have to be in charge of your game playing that golf course. So I just remember the greens being so pure, just being able to make a lot of birdies on the golf course when I played there, even though it was quite tough. It’s going to be a very good challenge. ”
London previously played host to the 1993 tournament, when it was a major on the LPGA calendar.
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