The Lorie Kane Island Challenge will be held on Prince Edward Island August 29 and 30, 2000 at the Brudenell Golf Resort. Lorie has invited Nancy Lopez, Se Ri Pak, and Annika Sörenstam to "come play on her Island."
The outstanding lineup of LPGA superstars will generate tremendous corporate, fan, and media excitement across Canada and around the world. The four players represent an international cross-section and their congenial, competitive relationship will ensure first-class entertainment for everyone involved.
Tourism PEI will organize the event with the support of various corporate sponsors. Tourism PEI has established a solid record of hosting successful golf events over the years and their experience with the 1998 Export 'A' Skins Game ensures a first class golf event in 2000.
"The province is very excited to host this tournament," noted Premier Binns. "As Islanders, we take great pride in the accomplishments of Lorie in her golf career, and it is an honour to be able to combine that pride in Lorie with pride in our Island."
The Sports Network (TSN) will televise the event on a four-hour national broadcast which is booked for Saturday, October 7, 2000 (7:00 - 11:00 pm EST).
The Lorie Kane Island Challenge will have a purse of $225,000 (Cdn.). The ladies will play nine holes on Tuesday, August 29, and another nine on Wednesday, August 30, 2000, in a "skins" game format.
Tourism Minister Kevin J. MacAdam, who was also on hand to make the announcement, noted that the 1998 Export 'A' Skins Game was a great boost to the profile of PEI as a premier golf destination. "This will rival the 1998 event," noted the Minister. "Lorie's outstanding golf ability coupled with her charming personality is responsible for the international superstar lineup we see here. She is the key to the whole event, and we are more than ready to show off the Brudenell course where she learned to play. It will be an exciting two days."
"I have many great memories from the Brudenell course," noted Ms. Kane. "Brudenell is a big part of where I came from and I can't wait to get out there and show off both the course and the Island. To be able to invite three of my closest friends to compete here is a dream."
Finding volunteers for events like this one has never been a problem on Prince Edward Island. A public call for experienced volunteers will be posted in Island newspapers shortly.
Tickets for the Lorie Kane Island Challenge will go on sale in mid-March. Tourism PEI will provide details to the public within the next couple of weeks.