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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Hawaii to lose LPGA Fields Open

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i has most likely lost one of its women's pro golf tournaments.

The Fields Corporation announced it will not renew its sponsorship for the LPGA's Fields Open in Hawaii, an event held at Ko Olina.

The tournament had been the second event on the LPGA calendar since 2006, being held a week after the SBS Open at Turtle Bay. The 2008 Fields Open, held Feb. 18 to 23 and won by Paula Creamer, offered a purse of $1.3 million.

The Japanese corporation said in a press release yesterday that it will instead concentrate its future marketing efforts in Japan.

"It was great working with the Fields Corporation. They invested tremendously into this event and we wish them well," said Greg Nichols, general manager and director of golf at Ko Olina.

"I think the LPGA will be disappointed because the players like to have two events on O'ahu to defray travel expenses," Nichols said. "We're disappointed because the tournament was growing; attendance was growing. We enjoyed being able to put on such a quality event in Hawai'i."

Nichols said it's probably unlikely a new title sponsor could be found in time for 2009. "A tournament at this late date is unlikely," he said. "The timeline is not sufficient to bring in a new sponsor for 2009."

This year, the LPGA added another event in Hawai'i, the Kapalua LPGA Classic, Oct. 16 to 19, at Kapalua, Maui. The SBS is secured through 2009.