May 26, 2009
The Final Curtain at the Corning Classic!
I was up in Corning last week to share the sweet sorrow feelings with other LPGA players and fans as the Corning Classic hosted it's last of 31 years of competition.
Given the opportunity to play in the Tuesday Shoot Out, it was fun to banter with my fellow past tour players and past Corning Classic Champions as we goofed around during the skills test with our high school super star partners. Alex and I finished with a fantastic 2ndplace finish beating out (Princess of Corning) Laura Diaz in a chip off.
Wednesday I was invited to participate in the Bill Griffiths' Pro-Am where I enjoyed maybe my best pro-am ever in 25 years on tour. I was able to grab a cart anddrive around as I pleased stopping to meet and greet various teams and favorite pro's as they played in what may be the last Corning Classic Pro Am in History. Not to mention give a few helpful tips from the Queen.
We watched as Laura Davies come out of her shoes trying to hit the 6thhole dog leg par 4 on her drive, and not to brag, but I was able beat out Michele Wieat closest to the hole from 95 yards out on #13. My favorite Number. I told her she could leave that $1 in my locker forever stationed in the Locker Room labeled The Queen of Corning!
It was hard to pack up my clubs for the final time leaving Corning after all these years. The tournament having been an icon on the LPGA tour was one of our favorites and true to their style they celebrated like no tomorrow the entire week. It's hard to explain how much we players and the LPGA tour will miss this event and the loyalty of our fans from the Corning and upper NY area.
Maybe someday, we will be back again. Of course selfishly I think a Legends Tour event would be a great fit. Bring us back Corning!
We love you Corning!
