Cristie Kerr lauds Mike Whan for improving LPGA Tour
American Cristie Kerr is going to defend her title at the Kingsmill Championship, slated to be played from September 6-9 at Virginia. She said that she appreciates what the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Commissioner Mike Whan has been doing for the Tour.
Speaking to the LPGA during her pre-tournament interview at Kingsmill, Kerr said that Whan has been with the Tour every step of the way and he is doing an amazing job.
Kerr is gearing up to take part in the Kingsmill Championship, with an aim to become the winner once again.
The American star knows the tournament and course well, as she has recorded two victories so far. She won the 2005 and 2009 edition of the tournament, putting herself in the strongest position.
The Kingsmill Championship has been around since 2003, but it was suspended during 2010 and 2011 season due to sponsorship issues. The 2012 season saw the tournament return again — but with a new name this time.
Kingsmill Championship had been played under the title of Michelob Ultra Open from 2004 to 2009.
The tournament got into some serious trouble during the 2010 season when its sponsor, Anheuser-Busch, decided to discontinue the sponsorship contract after getting hit by economic downturn of the late 2000's.
However, thanks to the effort of LPGA Tour — headed by Whan — the tournament has now returned to Kingsmill, giving players a chance to play at one of their most favourite courses.
When asked how the efforts by Whan have helped players improve their game, Kerr said that due to his good attitude, things are getting better and the Tour will soon regain its lost position.
“I think he's doing a great job. He's very open with the players as far as what he's trying to accomplish, what irons are in the fire, what he's trying to do to build the Tour,” the two-time winner said.
“We're still in a really bad economy. I think this election in November is going to really kind of tell whether we're going to recover or whether we're still going to be going down the same track, but nobody can predict what's going to happen,” Kerr added.
“He's done great with the relationships we have with sponsors and we're starting to add some new tournaments”.
Tags: