Palm Aire announces LPGA November event

Some of the most prestigious names in women’s golfing history will be playing together in November, right here in East County.

On Monday morning, The Palm-Aire Country Club announced it will be hosting the ISPS Handa Cup, which gathers LPGA legends from around the world to compete against one another, from Nov. 12-14.
Though the economic impact of the event has not yet been determined, with 76 golf courses in Manatee and Sarasota counties, there will be large-scale interest in the event, club officials say.

“We believe we have something that will be able to bring people together,” said Ed Kornberger, Palm-Aire Country Club board president.

The two teams will consist of 12 American-born players against 12 internationally born players, in a format similar to the Ryder Cup.

“I love Sarasota,” said Nancy Lopez, an LPGA legend who spoke via telephone Monday at the press conference and has played in past Handa Cups. “I have a lot of great memories there — my first LPGA win happened there at Bent Tree (Country Club). I won my 35th there, which got me into the hall of fame ... The name Sarasota means a lot to me.”

Lopez will captain the American team at Palm Aire in November, while Sally Little will captain the world team.

“The Legends Tour has so many great players on it, players who opened the door for a lot of recognition in women’s golf,” Lopez said.

Palm-Aire is still working on the details of sponsors, volunteer opportunities and the overall impact the Handa Cup will bring to the area.

Kornberger, though, said both Manatee and Sarasota county officials worked to help attract the championship to East County.

“The number of hotel rooms used, the visitors and the impact to both counties is going to be huge,” Kornberger said.