Some customers happy to study the best

LPGA pro Laura Diaz says crowds increase the excitement.
By KURT SNYDER
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
VIENNA -- Jeff and Phil Lehman do not care who is playing in this weekend's Giant Eagle LPGA Classic at Squaw Creek Country Club. They said they figure they can take lessons from any of the golfers.
"We didn't even know who would be here," said Jeff, 52, of Grove City, Pa. "It really doesn't matter. We are just looking at their swings and thinking about our own game."
Accompanied by 15-year-old son Phil, Jeff said he tries to come to the tournament at least one day each year. Jeff said he and his son are both huge golf fans, and Phil is on his high school's golf team.
Watching this year's tournament also represented a learning experience for husband and wife Jim and Bobbi Licitri of Akron.
Bobbi just began playing golf during the spring, but Jim has been playing for 30 years. Still, Jim said both could pick up tips from players, so they spent most of the day watching the driving range.
"Jen Hanna has the most effortless swing," Jim said. "The ball just flies."
Jim, who was attending his first Giant Eagle LPGA Classic, said he has been to the NEC Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron for the PGA Tour, but he said this was a better experience. He said they came to the tournament because they were promised a more relaxed atmosphere.
Not real crowded
"We've enjoyed it," he said. "It's not real crowded. We can get up close."
A side story to the tournament all week has been the uncertainty surrounding the future of the event. Several fans expressed disappointment about the possibility of the end of the tournament.
"We try to come over here usually Friday or Saturday," Jeff Lehman said. "It's something we look forward to every year."
A two-hour-and-15-minute rain delay Saturday morning may have held the crowd down.
But those that were in attendance provided enthusiastic support to the players.
Laura Diaz, who is among the leaders with a 5-under through two rounds, began drawing one of the largest galleries of the day after she made the turn at the ninth hole. She said the crowd makes the tournament more exciting.
"I think it's great to have fans out here," she said. "The more fans the more fun. The cheers are always nice, and it's nice to know that people want to come out and watch us play."
ksnyder@vindy.com