Tour Talk with PROTOCONCEPT - VOL.24

They're back! The LPGA is back in the States after several weeks overseas. I made my way to Portland, Oregon for the Standard Portland Classic at Columbia Edgewater Country Club. The name might sound different, due to the new title sponsor, but this event is the longest running non-major tournament on the LPGA. The Portland Classic has been a favorite tour stop since 1972. Juli Inkster, the 1999 winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member, will be teeing it up this week to test her skills against these younger players. Good luck Juli! Another familiar face this week was Nancy Lopez. Nancy played in the Pro-Am on Wednesday; it was nice to see her again. 

Portland experienced some unreasonably hot weather with temperatures at or near 100 degrees all three practice days. Most players started early in the morning, when temperatures were cooler, and by mid mid-afternoon the range was empty. No one is in the mood to spend hours hitting balls when the temperature is that high. Who can blame them? 

I spoke with players this week about building irons and wedges for them to try during the off season. The response was very positive and I've started a list. I will add more names to that list during the Boston event in two weeks. It looks like I will be busy building clubs this fall while the players are finishing up the year in Asia. 

Next week - Back on the LPGA in a couple weeks for the FM Global Championship in Boston, MA.

Best regards,
Steve Loerzel
Director of TOUR Operations & Master Club Builder