Wegmans extends deal for three years
The LPGA Tour has told players that the Wegmans LPGA event in Rochester, N.Y., will continue for the next three years, a win for the tour which has struggled to maintain a robust schedule in 2010.
The event is the 15th confirmed event for next season. It will maintain its $2 million purse.The deal also includes three one-year options, which could ultimately make it a six-year deal.
The extension of the contract for the Wegmans event was in doubt after meetings with former LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens earlier this year, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. "I was very concerned because we didn't have an agreement and it didn't seem like the LPGA was interested in hearing about our concerns about the economy," said Wegmans LPGA co-Chair Jerry Stahl:
Interim commissioner Marty Evans, who took over for Bivens in July, was vital in getting the deal done, Wegmans Food Markets VP/Special Projects Bill Strassburg told the Democrat & Chronicle.
The Sports Business Journal reported Thursday that two more events -- the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic and P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship, are also expected to re-up, which would give the LPGA a total of 17 confirmed events.
The LPGA continues looking for a new commissioner. Reports say an executive search firm has begun interviewing candidates this week.
