After re-establishing its presence in North Texas, the LPGA returns this week touting change with a new name and a new venue.
The Volunteers of America Texas Classic will run Thursday through Sunday at the Old American Golf Club in The Colony.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the strength of the 144-player field. At least four of the world’s top 10 — No. 3 So Yeon Ryu, No. 4 Sung Hyun Park, No. 5 I.K. Kim and No. 6 Anna Nordqvist — are scheduled to play.
Among the familiar faces competing for $1.3 million in prize money will be McKinney’s Brittany Lang, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Brittany Lincicome, and Hall of Famers Juli Inkster and Laura Davies. Wie and Lincicome have posted victories this season.
This event, previously known as the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout, has produced some dramatic finishes. Haru Nomura won last year in a six-hole playoff over Cristie Kerr.
But Nomura will be defending her title on a much different layout than Las Colinas Country Club.
Old American was designed by architect Tripp Davis and veteran PGA Tour player Justin Leonard, a Dallas native. In its debut as a professional tour venue, Old American will offer a unique test.
The course, nestled on the shores of Lake Lewisville, has drawn much praise since opening in 2010. Inspired by iconic American courses such as Pinehurst No. 2 and Shinnecock Hills, Old American is a throwback with short wooden flagsticks and tabletop greens.
Strategy will be a crucial aspect as players devise ways to negotiate the wind-swept, rolling terrain. An iron railroad bridge, constructed in 1900, sits on the far northwest corner of the course.
“It is really exciting to see the LPGA play Old American, maybe even more than seeing the players on the PGA Tour play it,” Davis said Friday. “Most all players on the LPGA play the game very strategically, and they tailor their ball-striking skills for that sort of game — precision oriented with placement key to how they play a course.
“That’s how we designed Old American — to test a player’s ability to develop a strategy that fits their game and the ability to execute that strategy precisely.”
Davis, known for his classic works, has established a big footprint on the DFW golf landscape. He recently completed a major renovation of Northwood Club, site of the 1952 U.S. Open, which reopened two weeks ago. He previously renovated Preston Trail Golf Club and Brook Hollow Golf Club.
Of his 14 original designs, three are located in The Colony, the others being The Tribute Golf Links, which pays homage to legendary Scottish links, and Stewart Peninsula Golf Club.
Old American presents many challenges, but it will not be set up to play overly difficult.
“Length won’t be an overwhelming advantage if they don’t set it up too long because of the way fairway bunkering sets up angles into greens,” Davis said. “It’s not about how long you are off the tee but how well you can place your drive.
“To get makable birdie putts, you will need good distance control. From the wrong angle, distance control is really challenged, as is the need to be restrained hitting it right at flags. Old American also tests the short game and putting, so for the LPGA, it should be a complete test.”
Local favorite Gerina Piller, who almost won two years ago, will not play. She and her touring pro husband, Martin, are expecting their first child in May.
TCU junior Annika Clark and Plano East freshman Meagan Winans earned exemptions through the March 26 qualifier at Old American.
Bill Nichols is a Dallas-based freelance writer.
IN THE KNOW
Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic
When: Thursday-Sunday
Where: Old American Golf Club, The Colony
Purse: $1.3 million
Defending champion: Haru Nomura
TV: Thursday-Friday 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2-5 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Monday: CREW Dallas LPGA Pro-Am; Monday qualifier for professionals
Tuesday: Practice rounds
Wednesday: Pro-am starts at 7 a.m. off Nos. 1 and 10
Thursday: First round, off Nos. 1 & 10 tees, 7-9 a.m., noon-2 p.m.
Friday: Second round, off Nos. 1 & 10 tees, 7-9 a.m., noon-2 p.m.
Saturday: Third round, off No. 1 tee, starting at 7:10 a.m.
Sunday: Final round, off No. 1 tee, starting at 8:50 a.m.
Parking: $5 at the course
Tickets: Single-day tickets are $15 and good any day Wednesday-Sunday; weekly badge $25. Members of the armed forces (active duty, retirees, active reserve, National Guard and DoD civilians) and their accompanying families may receive complimentary single-day tickets at will call upon presentation of military ID. Children 17-younger, accompanied by a ticketed parent, enter for free.
Website: voatexaslpga.com
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