A new challenge awaits some of the LPGA’s top players when the tour goes to Dallas, but not to a venue previously visited. For 2018, the Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic has moved to the Old American Golf Club along the shores of Lake Lewisville, north of the city.
The course won’t be the only thing new about the tournament this year, as there will be a new champion. The 2017 event winner, Haru Nomura, won’t be playing this week, due to a back problem.
That could open the door for Cristie Kerr to finally win in Dallas. The veteran has continued to be a solid factor on the tour this year, and has never finished lower than 11th in this event. Twice she has finished in second place, including losing a grueling six-hole playoff to Nomura last year.
It won’t be a cakewalk to coronation, though, with nine additional players currently in the world top 16 playing this week, which includes winners of the last three LPGA events — Lydia Ko (No. 12), Moriya Jutanugarn (No. 13) and Brooke M. Henderson (No. 16).
THE SKINNY
Tournament: Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic
Dates: May 3-6, 2018
Where: The Colony, Texas
Course: Old American Golf Club
Distance: Par 71, 6,475 yards
Architect: Tripp Lewis and Justin Leonard
Format: 72-holes, stroke play, 36-hole cut
Purse: $1,300,000
Winning Share: $195,000
2017 Champion: Haru Nomura
Marquee Players: Sung Hyun Park, Ariya Jutanugarn, Cristie Kerr, Anna Nordqvist, Lydia Ko, Moriya Jutanugarn, Brooke M. Henderson, Jenny Shin, Stacy Lewis, Angela Stanford, Brittany Lang, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Cheyenne Woods, Natalie Gulbis
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