Last Harford County LPGA Tourney starts Monday
Mary Paramore
Associate Editor

June 8-14, Harford County again will play host to the McDonald’s Ladies Professional
Golf Association (LPGA) Championship Tournament sponsored by Coca-Cola. Organizers say it’s the fifth and final year for the contract between the LPGA and Bulle Rock, site of a five-star-rated, Pete Dye-designed course that has brought rave reviews from players and spectators alike.

Tournament Executive Director Alice Miller shared her thoughts with members of the Havre de Grace Chamber of Commerce March 12, telling them that, although the contract may expire in 2009,  “We will be back. Maybe only as friends and tourists, but we will be back.”

Miller said planning for the last year of the tournament in Havre de Grace is “bittersweet.” She speculated that 2009 would be an exciting match, with promising young golfers from Mexico and Korea registered to play, and with the return of Michelle Wie.

Since its inception 28 years ago, the tournament has raised more than $48 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities and other children’s charities.

The week of June 8-14 includes Pro-Am play, a junior golf clinic and four days of championship play. The Golf Channel will cover the tournament live and in replay. (See At a Glance)

The tournament line-up also includes A Taste of Harford for a second year. Scheduled for Wednesday evening, June 10, at the Residences at Bulle Rock, the fund-raising event offers the public an opportunity to sample Harford County’s finest cuisine while mingling with tour professionals, all for a good cause. Tickets are $75, which includes food, beverages, fireworks and a silent auction. This year’s beneficiaries are the Science and Math Academy at Aberdeen High School, the Project Lead the Way at Bel Air High School, Fischer House, The Family Tree and the Havre de Grace High School stadium project.

Spectators are advised to use shuttle buses to and from the venue. See schedule.