LPGA excitement returns to the Mahoning Valley

Some of the world's top women golfers are hoping the number 13 will be their lucky number this weekend at the 2002 Giant Eagle LPGA Classic at Squaw Creek Country Club. Why "13"? Because this is the 13th year of one of the premiere women's golf tournaments in the nation and it represents an opportunity to compete for a $1 million prize purse. The Giant Eagle LPGA Classic is good for women's golf and good for the Mahoning Valley.
Multiple benefits
The tournament's benefit to the region not only derives from the national attention -- ESPN and ESPN2 will broadcast six hours of the qualifying and final rounds -- and the filled hotels and motels and packed restaurants, but also because over the years some $3 million from the event's proceeds have been donated to local children's and educational charities.
The thousands of spectators will have a chance to see if two-time champion Dorothy Delasin can make it a "three-peat," or if Nancy Lopez, the 1993 winner now on her farewell tour, will delight the crowd again with a victory.
The beauty of the Squaw Creek course, the friendliness of Valley people, the hard work of local volunteers combine to make this one of the circuit's favorite events -- and a great source of pride for the entire community.