Since last year, ANA Airways is the new title sponsor of the leading LPGA event that previously was known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Contested at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., since its inception, the ANA Inspiration holds the distinction of being the second oldest golf tournament continuously held at the same course.
I would not bother you with another tournament news if this event won’t be unique this year. Unlike in last year, there will be a conference on March 29 (Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, CA) just before the season’s first major, on the state of women’s sports, female athletes as role models, using sports as a platform to inspire women of all ages, and what it takes to be a champion.
To my great surprise, Arianna Huffington will deliver the keynote address on the habits of successful women. The Paralympian Jessica Long will talk about her story of overcoming a double leg amputation at 18 months old to become one of the most decorated Paralympians.
From the LPGA, Annika Sorenstam, Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson will contribute to the event.
On the tournament itself, we will find the defending champion Brittany Lincicome (she will try to win for the 4th time), but also the previously mentioned Lydia Ko, Inbee Park, the 2014 champion Lexi Thompson, the 2011 champion Stacy Lewis, Ha Na Jang (a 2-time winner on Tour in 2016). Needless to say, that this is not the full list.
