I can't say the news was unexpected. But today I heard that the organizers of the LPGA Futures Tour event held in CT for the past 13 years had reached the end of the road in their search for a title sponsor to keep the worthy event alive.
It's too bad, because the event did so much to raise money for breast cancer awareness programs, particularly those at Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center. What started as a simple fundraising competition called Chip In For A Cure more than a decade ago grew into an international event featuring rising stars of women's golf. Indeed, some of today's top players on the LPGA Tour cut their professional teeth on the Futures Tour, including many who passed through our state to play in the event.
But the reality of a tenuous economy spelled doom for the event's organizers, and when it became apparent that no one would step forward with the necessary sponsorship dollars, it was decided to call it a day. Sort of.
The fight will go on, because organizers are planning a tournament Oct. 1 at Tunxis Plantation GC in Farmington that will continue to raise money for breast cancer research. Anyone can participate, and organizers say they hope to convince some local touring pros to play as well.
I'm sure the event will be a rousing success because the same people who worked so tirelessly to bring women's professional golf to CT are continuing their hard work, just in a different way. Let's all do what we can to make the event a success. And, who knows, maybe someday it will be Back to the Futures Tour for CT.