A Dunn deal! After 10 years on tour, pro wins first tournament

Without a sponsor for next year, the tournament's future is in doubt.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
VIENNA -- Moira Dunn stood in front of an appreciative crowd at the Squaw Creek Country Club clubhouse Sunday holding a trophy and a dozen roses.
"I'm sure that trophy is really nice," said Tom Hollern, chairman of Mahoning Valley Sports Charities. "I think I have something you might like even more."
Hollern then handed Dunn an oversized check for $150,000 -- a reward for winning this weekend's Giant Eagle LPGA Classic.
But that wasn't the weekend's biggest check.
Moments later, tournament officials presented a check for $365,000 to local charities on behalf of the MVSC. The tournament has raised $4.2 million over the past 15 years, but without a title sponsor for next year, its future is in doubt.
"When you look at the crowds and all the excitement around this tournament, it's hard not to be optimistic about the future," Hollern said. "We're working very hard to keep this tournament here next year and for years to come."
Involvement
Giant Eagle, which has been the title sponsor since 1997, has not signed a contract to be the title sponsor next year. The grocery store chain would still like to be involved, Hollern said, but the tournament would need either a new title sponsor or a company interested in a dual sponsorship with Giant Eagle.
"We will leave no stone unturned," he said. "When you look at what's gone on in the Valley over the past five or six years, I think this tournament is a shining example of the good that can be done."
Hollern would like to make a decision about the tournament's future by Nov. 1, soon after the LPGA releases its 2005 schedule. If the tournament returns, it would most likely stay at Squaw Creek, although other area courses could be considered, he said. "That's the least of our concerns," he said.
First victory
The uncertainty, however, did not overshadow this weekend's tournament, which saw Dunn earn her first career LPGA victory after shooting birdies on three of the last four holes. The 33-year-old Tampa, Fla., resident shot a tournament-best round of 65 on Sunday to finish at 12-under, beating Young-A Yang by two strokes.
"It was a lot of fun," Dunn said. "I was just trying to stay in the moment and hit good golf shots."
Dunn had to deal with a 21/2-hour rain delay in the afternoon but seemed to play better after the break. She reached the 18th green needing only a bogey to win the tournament.
Dunn parred the hole and was immediately showered with beer by several of her friends on the tour. Fighting back tears, she hugged her caddie and tried to keep the beer out of her eyes.
It wasn't quite a champagne shower, but after 10 years on tour without a victory, Dunn wasn't complaining.
"This is a dream come true," she said.