NASSAU, Bahamas — Nelly KordaAnd Lexi ThompsonThey will be representing the LPGA Tour at the QBE Shootout. They will have plenty to do next year.
The QBE Shootout will be a mixed-team event, starting in 2023. This is the first time such a format has been on the schedule since 1999s JC Penney Classic.
The change was made known to players at a meeting in the Bahamas last week.
Details, such as format and qualification criteria, have not yet been confirmed. The QBE Shootout dates back from 1989, when it was more commonly known under the Shark Shootout.
I believe its something we needed to do for quite a while. Billy Horschel said. If you look at golf, the fans want more team events. See something new. It will benefit the PGA Tour, but I believe it will benefit the LPGA Tour more in terms of getting greater exposure.
The PGA Tour had been working hard to make the World Cup of Golf a mixed-team event. However, progress was slowed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mixed-team format dated to 1960 when it was called the Haig & Haig Scotch Foursome. Mickey Wright used to play, and so did Sam Snead. Past champions of JC Penney Classic include Curtis StrangeNancy Lopez. It was won by Beth Daniel three times. Davis Love IIIAnd only once Tom Kite.
Tiger WoodsKelli Kuehne was the reigning U.S. champion in 1996. Amateur champions in 1996 who had signed Nike contracts.
The most recent winners were John DalyLaura Davies and Laura Davies, 1999.
This is long overdue. It will be a huge boost, said Dottie pepper, who won in 1992 with Dan Forsman. It was an enjoyable week. It was also a grind if you were in contention.
In recent years, a few LPGA players have been featured at the QBE Shootout. The same goes for the CVS Charity Classic in New England. Juli Inkster, Natalie Gulbis, and Natalie Gulbis were first women to participate in 2007.
One of the most prominent mixed-team events was Battle at Bighorn , 2001, when Annika Sorenstam and Woods went extra holes to beat. David DuvalKarrie Webb.
The Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Florida, offered $3.8 Million in purses, with each team receiving $950,000. Only seven LPGA events had a greater first-place check than $425,000 this year, which includes the five majors and $2 million prize at CME Group Tour Championship.
Pepper stated that she believed Donna Andrews won the award in 2005, which was her biggest check of all time. It was a split money right down the middle.
Well, almost.
The LPGA added a service fee. It was about 6%. Pepper laughed, saying that it was 6%.
LPGA players will be motivated if they have money. The key is how many top PGA Tour player are interested in the QBE Shootout. This year, there are nine of the top fifty players in the field of 12 teams. Max HomaAt No. 16 is the highest-ranked player.
Participation of top players contributed to the end of the JC Penney Classic.
Curtis Strange (two-time U.S. Open winner) said, The mixed team back then, there was nothing during the offseason. Nancy Lopez won the 1980 U.S. Open. It was a chance knock some rust off and enjoy some nice weather. It was great. It was great fun to meet the women on their tour and share a beer.
He said, When you get to understand each other, there is more mutual respect. Some friendships last forever.
Inkster was awarded the JC Penney Award in 1986 Tom PurtzerShe said that they are like sisters because of the time spent at tournaments.
Inkster said, Its one of my favourite tournaments. The guys who didn’t want the game didn’t play. And those who did, they were there. Thats how I got to know these guys so well. It was great money and lots of fun. It was a great experience for the men, to see the women playing and how skilled they are.
You enjoy the company. Learn about me, and then lets get the job done.
