Ty M. Votaw, commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA),
today announced the cancellation of this weekend’s Safeway Classic in Portland,
Ore.
“Each and every one of us with the LPGA is horrified by what happened
on Tuesday, and we have always had the victims of last Tuesday’s events in
our hearts, minds and prayers,” said Votaw. “From the beginning, we
wanted to do the right thing for the country. After further discussion with our
players, tournament organizers and sponsors, as well as the continuing aftermath
of the tragedies this week, it became increasingly clear that the most appropriate
course of action was to cancel the tournament this weekend.
“We delayed making this final decision until we had thoroughly evaluated
this issue from all sides. Unlike many other sports, the majority of the players
for the Safeway Classic were already in Portland or en route by Tuesday morning.
So, the question did not involve getting players to the site. We also were urged
by the governmental officials in the area to continue to hold the event as a sign
that life is slowly returning to some semblance of normality. We also know how
important the monies raised through the event are to the local charities. However,
in the end, we have to follow our hearts and minds, and we believe not playing
this weekend is the right decision for the LPGA.”
Lyle Waterman, division president of Safeway, the tournament sponsor, said,
“Safeway and the tournament join the LPGA in sending our thoughts and prayers
to the families and victims of Tuesday’s horrific events. As the events of
the week have unfolded, we agree with the LPGA that the right course of action
is to cancel this year’s event out of respect and to honor those involved.”
In observance of President George W. Bush’s National Day of Prayer and
Remembrance, a prayer service will be held at 11 a.m. PT tomorrow for the players,
caddies, tournament organizers, volunteers and LPGA fans at the 18th green at
Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland.
As mentioned earlier, the LPGA, through The LPGA Foundation, will make a significant
contribution, which will include donations from LPGA members and staff, in support
of the rescue and relief efforts.
Tournament Golf Foundation, Inc., and Safeway will continue to be committed
to benefiting local children’s charities, as they have been for the last
30 years.
