LPGA Futures event starts Warren County pro sports season

LPGA Futures Tour visiting the complex for second straight year

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By Scott Hayes, Staff Writer Updated 6:47 AM Wednesday, June 17, 2009

MASON — The future of women’s professional golf returns to Warren County this weekend.

The Golf Center at Kings Island will host the Duramed Championship, a LPGA Futures Tour Event, Friday through Sunday, June 19-21. This is the second year in a row The Golf Center has hosted the tournament.

“We’re thrilled to bring professional women’s golf back to Kings Island, the former home of the LPGA Championship,” tournament director Abby Pearson said. “The Golf Center at Kings Island provided a stiff test for the golfers last year, and the course provides championship-caliber excitement and is a great place for fans to enjoy golf.”

The Duramed Championship is the first in a series of pro events that will occur at The Golf Center complex this summer.

In August, the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open tennis championships will be held there, and over Labor Day Weekend, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball tour makes a stop.

“Hosting multiple pro events throughout the summer just shows what Warren County has to offer,” Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau Sports Marketing Director Ben Huffman said. “It’s a great thing for the community and the local economy.

“It’s neat for us to get to host the Duramed Championships for a second year. It’s been a great addition to the area and we welcome them back.”

The Duramed Futures Tour is the official developmental tour of the LPGA. More than 300 tour alumni are currently LPGA members.

Last year’s champion, Stephanie Otteson, returns this year to defend her title against a full field of 144 golfers.

Included in the field is Middletown native Carling Coffing, competing in her first full year on the Duramed Futures Tour after graduating from Ohio State University in 2008.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.

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