LPGA Adding Event In Ontario, Canada, Sponsored By Manulife

The LPGA today announced that it is adding a new tournament for '12-14 in Waterloo, Ontario, sponsored by Canada-based financial services company Manulife Financial. The new event is part of the LPGA’s push to add more events in North America. Looking at next year’s schedule, the long-running Springfield, Ill., tournament is losing State Farm as its title sponsor and the LPGA is actively seeking a replacement. However, the Jamie Farr event in Toledo is scheduled to return in '12. LPGA CMO Jon Podany said with the Waterloo tournament, the tour is “up one from where we were and we’re optimistic there will be more” tournaments in North America next year.

The Manulife event will be held June 18-24 next year at Grey Silo Golf Course as part of a three-year agreement with the LPGA. The 72-hole event will have a standard field of 144 players. The LPGA in August also stages the CN Canadian Women’s Open, which has been on the schedule since '76.