Legends Tour Hopes for Another Finishing Kick

Jul 18, 2007

By Richard J. Popolizio, Globe Correspondent |

QUINCY -- The Legends Tour of the LPGA produced spectacular finishes in the first two years of the BJ's Charity Championship.

The tournament also produced about $1.3 million from the 2006 event for a total of more than $2.3 million in two years, according to Paul Bass, tournament director and president of BJ's Charitable Foundation. The charity, which donates to community programs that benefit children and families, contributed $1.6 million last year to more than 220 organizations from around the country.

"It looks like after this year, we'll go over $3.5 million," Bass said during yesterday's news conference at Granite Links Golf Club. "And I can't wait to see what the ladies have in store for us this year."

In the inaugural tournament, Jan Stephenson teamed with Cindy Rarick to tie Pat Bradley and Patty Sheehan, both members of the LPGA Hall of Fame, after a five-hole playoff. The teams shared the $100,000 first-place pot.

The players nearly needed a playoff last year. Nancy Scranton and Christa Johnson were tied with Cindy Figg-Currier and Sherri Turner heading into the final round. Scranton and Johnson shot 58, as Scranton's eagle on 18 sealed a one-stroke victory.

"That finish was special for Nancy and I," Johnson said. "Down two at the turn, we stopped in the restroom and rallied the troops and then had a great time on the back nine. We look forward to another exciting finish this year, for the crowd and for the stories afterward."

The defending champs will be vying against a formidable field of 30 teams for $500,000 in prize money. The 36-hole event is Aug. 4-5 at Granite Links. The club has views overlooking downtown Boston and was recently named one of the top 10 new, upscale courses in the United States.

A three-day pass for the tournament is $25, or $10 for one day, with junior and women's clinics Aug. 2. Ages 18 and under and members of the military with valid identification get in free.