McLean County Times

Illinois State University is preparing to host the inaugural ANNIKA Women's All Pro Tour (WAPT) event at the Weibring Golf Club in Normal, Illinois. The Redbird Championship will take place from June 18-20 and will feature professional female golfers. Gary DeSerrano, CEO of K&G Sports, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Illinois State University, highlighting the significance of bringing professional women's golf back to Illinois.

The championship will begin with a Pro-Am Day on June 17. The main tournament will feature 90 ANNIKA WAPT professionals and 36 Collegiate Series players competing over three days in a 54-hole event. The top two players will receive an exemption into the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic on the LPGA Epson Tour scheduled for August. Proceeds from the tournament will support the ANNIKA Foundation, ANNIKA WAPT, and Redbird Athletics.

Dr. Jeri Beggs, Interim Director of Athletics at ISU, emphasized the excitement of hosting professional golf at their campus and its impact on promoting women's golf. The event is part of the Callaway Race To Stage 2 series, which offers opportunities for top finishers to advance in LPGA qualifying.

ISU women's golf head coach Breanne Hall praised ambassadors like Annika Sörenstam for their role in expanding opportunities for women in golf. She encouraged community support during this significant event.

Tom Szymoniak, General Manager of Weibring Golf Club, expressed enthusiasm about hosting future LPGA stars and collaborating with ANNIKA WAPT.

Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are available through the official tournament website.