Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Golf Club is tour’s first full-field event

BOCA RATON – The player reaction to this week’s Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Golf Club has been nothing but positive.

The inaugural tournament is the first full-field event of the 2020 season and the first to be held in South Florida since 2008. The event features 108 players competing Thursday through Sunday for a $2 million purse.

LPGA commissioner Mike Whan knew the tournament was a hit as soon as he revealed the new event.

“I don’t get to announce many things that get a standing ovation at player meetings,” Whan said. “When we play in Florida, we argue over who gets to tell the players because it’s a pretty big day.”

The season began this past week with the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in Orlando, where 26 players who had won tournaments in 2018 or 2019 competed with a celebrity field.

Whan said having what he termed a one-two punch in Florida to start the year is “pretty special,” especially given how many players make their home in the Sunshine State.

“For most players, this will be their first event of the year, so it’s pretty exciting to be able to play (an event) that, for a lot of them, is really close to home,” Whan said. “There are so many players who live here, from all over the world. Between Orlando and South Florida, we’ve probably got 40, 50 percent of our tour.”

Among those who can sleep in their own beds for the Gainbridge LPGA are Boca residents Morgan Pressel and Jaye Marie Green.

“It’s nice for a tournament to be in my hometown,” said Green, whose father, Donnie, is a teaching pro at the nearby Broken Sound Club. “I’m so pumped! I’m going to have so much family and friends out this week, it’ll be great.”

Pressel, who lives at St. Andrews Country Club, has been busy fielding questions about Boca Rio, where she is an honorary member, from her fellow pros.

“They’re interested to know what it’s all about, and there’s definitely a lot of buzz about starting the season with a full-field event in Boca Raton. It’s awesome,” Pressel said.

Georgia Hall of England, who won the 2018 Ricoh Women’s British Open and played in Orlando, said she’s looking forward to visiting South Florida.

“I’ve never actually been to that part of Florida, so I’m excited to see it,” Hall said. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. It’s a maiden venue, so it should be good fun.

“We don’t actually have many events in Florida, so for another event to be in Florida … I think any event would be amazing, but to have it in Florida I think is going to add a lot of value to the LPGA. A lot of players are looking forward to it.”

Being able to attend an LPGA event can have a big impact on a young golfer.

Green, who is in her seventh year on tour, recalled going to the ADT Championship at Trump International in West Palm Beach when she was 14 or 15. Pressel said that when she started to play golf, she attended LPGA tournaments at the Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach and Trump National Doral.

“To see people who I’d seen on TV up close was really pretty cool for me and certainly inspirational,” Pressel said. “To think that how many years later now that’s what we’re doing out here, it’s pretty neat.

“I think it’ll be great for junior golf in the area. Get young kids out to the tournament, get them interested and excited about golf. Especially young female golfers.”

Whan said golf fans of all ages will be impressed by the beauty of Boca Rio. Pressel said it’s a tough course that requires smart thinking, especially when it comes to approach shots, noting “there are definitely places you can’t leave yourself around the greens.”

For ticket, parking and volunteer information, visit www.gainbridgelpga.com.