I'm sure many of you are thinking about Green Day (a different song), but I'm thinking Chuck Berry (original, 1959) and Linda Ronstadt (cover, 1978)... and the LPGA, of course.
The ladies have finally returned to the West Coast for the Bank of Hope Founders Cup. Tony Jesselli says this is one of the strongest non-major fields of the year (only two events last year were ranked higher).
It's hard to believe that this is the ninth holding of this event, and that the original had a "ghost" purse (no actual money awarded other than charity). It was a key move in Mike Whan's move to rebuild the Tour, bringing the LPGA back to Phoenix for the first time in years and inspired by the history of the 13 Founders who started the LPGA. It's come a long way since and it's an important event, as proven by the field strength.
Six of the former champions are in the field, including defending champ Inbee Park.
A late-minute scratch from the event is Paula Creamer, who gave no reason for the WD. However, given that she had wrist surgery during the off-season and stated that she was "optimistic that I will return to competitive play soon," you have to assume that it's due to an injury of some sort.
Oh, and in case you've never heard her, here's Linda Ronstadt's cover. She's no longer performing, due to Parkinson's Disease, but she was a superstar in the 1970s and 1980s. She had one hell of a voice...
The Founders Cup is yet another prime time event for US audiences -- except this time, we don't have to stay up all night. GC's coverage begins at 6pm ET on Thursday night. I'm looking forward to it!
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