Pittsford, N.Y.-- For twenty years, Penfield resident Barbara Dywer has been coming to golf LPGA tournaments at Locust Hill Country Club.
Ever since the Wegmans LPGA became a major in 2010, the tournament has been even more exciting for many people like Dwyer.
“Having a major... we don't have another high end sports teams," says Dwyer. "I'm a Bills fan too, but in the summer, I like golf and it's great to have the girls come."
Dwyer would like to see the tournament com back next year to Locust Hill, however the two-year contract between Wegmans, the LPGA and the club expires this Sunday. For the time being, the parties involved are not talking about new contract negotiation.
“We've talked with the LPGA about the future of this event,” says Jerry Stahl, the tournament’s chairman. “We work 51 weeks out of the year to get to this week [of the actual event] and so we're going to put any discussion on hold until after the tournament is over with.”
Since the tournament became a major two years ago, the course at Locust Hill has become tougher.
Rochester has hosted several majors in the past like The Ryder Cup and The U.S. Open. Next year, the PGA Championship will be held at Oak Hill Country Club.
For these reasons, locals think the Wegmans LPGA Tournament should stay in Rochester and at Locust Hill. They hope Wegmans and the LPGA can strike another deal.
“It's very important to the community,” says Dwyer. “It's something that all of Rochester embraces. We're a big golf city and it brings a lot of people and recognition into the city. I’m sure it brings tourists dollars.”
Stahl says contract negotiations will begin in July.
