Mike Whan says LPGA willing to stick to Kraft Nabisco Championship beyond 2014
Commissioner of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Mike Whan has expressed hopes that the Kraft Nabisco Championship will continue to be played for years to come.
He shared that the tournament officials and the Tour are willing to extend the contract beyond 2014.
Speaking to the media amid concerns that LPGA’s contract with Kraft Foods is about to end in 2014, Whan said that it is true that the contract will officially be over after two years.
However, he assured the fans and players that the LPGA patrons are interested in staging the major championship at the Mission Hills.
He said that the Kraft Food is also willing to extend its cooperation in an effort to promote healthy golf.
Mike Whan spoke during the 2012 edition of the Championship being played at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course in Rancho Mirage.
Whan said that people had been talking about the possible conclusion of the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2014, which is obvious, but he was keen to state that he will do all he can to stick to the tournament.
He said that he himself was not sure about the future of the Championship a few months back, and he believed that players would not be able to play at the Mission Hills for long.
“A year ago, I said to the players we may someday not play at Mission Hills and have our first major in the desert,” Whan said.
He continued, “That day may come. But it's not going to be while I am commissioner, Kraft or no Kraft”.
He said that Mission Hills has kept players interested in the Championship for years, and it will not be wise to put an end to one of the most prestigious tournaments of the LPGA Tour.
Mike Whan has been working vigorously for the promotion of women’s golf since he became the Commissioner of the Tour.
According to observers, Whan is ambitious about the big events, which is proving productive for both the LPGA and the players.
Whan recently paid visit to a number of Asian countries to help the Tour expand its influence far beyond the traditional hotspots — the United States and Europe.
David Blake-Thomas, tournament Chairman of the Kraft Nabisco said, "I believe there is boundless interest in supporting this tournament here at Mission Hills for many, many years to come".
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