Duramed Championship

Run Abby Run

2009-03-24T16:06:00.002-04:00

We're happy to announce that Abby Pearson, our Tournament Director, has agreed to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon to raise money for the Duramed Championship and our charitable partner, Ohio Valley Multiple Sclerosis.

We'll be blogging Abby's training on our website at http://www.duramedchampionship.com and you can also follow her fund raising progress at http://www.tinyurl.com/runabbyrun

Q School Final Results

2008-12-09T14:26:00.003-05:00

OK - you can file this under "better late than never" - my apologies for the tardy post.

The final results at Q School are as follows:

Stacy Lewis won Q-School with a total score of -18. Players from last year's Duramed Championship and their results are as follows:

12th - Jeehae Lee -8
21st - Chella Choi -4
25th - Angela Buzminski, Samantha Richdale -3
29th - Brandi Jackson, Haeji Kang, Christi Cano -2
34th - Maru Martinez, Janell Howland -1
40th - Sarah Oh E
44th - Jessica Carafiello, Enjung Yi +1
49th - Kim Welch, Jennifer Gleason +2
54th - Lisa Ferrero +3
60th - Chris Brady, Sarah Lynn Sargent +4
69th - Ashley Prange +9

Players in the top 20 and and ties received Priority List 11 Status. This includes Chella Choi who managed to sneak in based upon her winning a playoff for the final spot.

Those in positions 21 thru 30 receive Priority List 16 status.

Those in positions 31 - 40 receive Priority List 20 status.

Congratulations to all of the competitors.

Day 3 Results

2008-12-05T16:22:00.003-05:00

See below for the UNOFFICIAL results of Day 3 competition. Again, the cut will be after tomorrow's round and the top 70 and ties will advance to Sunday's final round.

Mollie Fankhauser is in the lead at -12.

Those who played in Mason last year are:

8 - Jeehae Lee -6
15 - Janell Howland -4
20 - Chella Choi -3
26 - Jennifer Gleason -2
31 - Kim Welch, Haeji Kang, Sarah Lynn Sargent -1
41 - Samantha Richdale, Brandi Jackson, Christi Cano, Misun Cho E
56 - Vikki Laing, Jenna Pearson, Angela Buzminski, Sarah Oh +1
68 - Lisa Ferrero, Chris Brady, Maru Martinez, Kristina Tucker, Ashley Prange +2
81 - Sophia Sheridan +3
84 - Tiffany Tavee, Tanya Dergal +4
91 - Jennifer Ackerson, Kelly Lagedrost, Yoora Kim +5
98 - Kristen Samp +6
106 - Nicole Jeray, Brian Vega +7
111 - Hwanhee Lee +8
114 - Liz Stuart, Hana Kim, Stephanie Otteson +9
121 - Andrea Vanderlende, Taya Battistella +10
125 - Jessica Shepley, Gerina Mendoza, Mo Martin, Katie Allison +11
138 - Sofie Andersson +16

Day 2 Q School Results

2008-12-05T13:58:00.003-05:00

Well, day 3 is well under way - and here are the results from Day 2.

Shihi Oyama and Michelle Wie continue to lead at -10.

For players who were in Mason last year, please see their placement (top 70 and ties make it to the final round on Sunday) and score relative to par.

6 - Janell Howland -5
11 - Kim Welch, Vikki Laing, Jeehae Lee, Lisa Ferrero -3
19 - Jenna Pearson, Samantha Richdale, Jean Reynolds -2
30 - Brandi Jackson, Maru Martinez, Christi Cano, Chris Brady, Chella Choi -1
43 - Eunjung Yi, Jennifer Gleason, Angela Buzminski, Haeji Kang, Tiffany Tavee E
58 - Jennifer Ackerson +1
66 - Misun Cho, Kristina Tucker, Sarah Lynn Sargent +2
80 - Ashley Prange +3
88 - Kristen Samp, Kelly Lagedrost, Sony Yi Choi +4
96 - Sophia Sheridan, Tanya Dergal, Sara Brown, Jessica Shepley, Nicole Jeray, Yoora Kim +5
106 - Briana Vega, Liz Stuart, Gerina Mendoza, Mo Martin +6
115 - Andrea Vanderlende +7
119 - Hwanhee Lee, Katie Allison +8
123 - Lisa Meldrum, Sofie Andersson, Hana Kim +9
131 - Stephanie Otteson +10
134 - Taya Battistella +11

I'll post the scores after the third round later tonight or tomorrow.

Day 1 of Q School

2008-12-03T23:33:00.002-05:00

The first day of Q-School is in the books as 140 golfers grind their way through 72 holes before a cutdown to the top 70. Then after 18 more holes, the top 40 receive LPGA status - with the top 20 receiving the coveted "Priority List Category 11" status.

Leading after the first 18 holes is Japan's Shiho Oyama who opened up with a 8 under par 64. Former Duramed Futures Tour player Mollie Fankhauser, from Columbus, OH, is tied for 3rd place with a 5-under 67.

Players from last year's Duramed Championship are spread throughout the field after day one. Our 2009 winner, Stephanie Otteson, opened with a 75 - which is only 2 strokes away from the Top 70 cut number. Jessica Shepley, our second place finisher this year, opened with a 76.

Other players of interest include Maru Martinez at 70, Liz Stuart at 74, Yoora Kim at 71, and Sam Richdale at 72.

After tomorrow's round, we'll provide a list of where all 2009 Duramed Championship participants find themselves after 36 holes.

LPGA Q-School

2008-12-02T13:50:00.003-05:00

The final stage of LPGA Q-School kicks off later this week in Daytona Beach, FL. A quick count shows that over 40 players in this final stage played with us in Mason last summer. Included in this list are last year's winner, Stephanie Otteson and last year's runner-up Jessica Shepley.

While we'd love to have all of the ladies back in Mason this June, we wish them all the best of luck in Daytona.

The event starts tomorrow, December 3rd, so look for updates here every day starting Thursday.

If you would like some real-time scoring updates, you can go to the LPGA website at http://www.lpga.com

STEPHANIE OTTESON WINS DURAMED CHAMPIONSHIP

2008-06-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

First Time Tour Winner Sinks Dramatic Birdie Put on 18 for Victory

MASON, OH (June 22, 2008) -- Stephanie Otteson, a second-year player on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, holed a clutch 30-foot putt on the final hole to win the second annual Duramed Championship at the Golf Center at Kings Island with a three-round total of 9-under par 204.

Otteson, who had never won before on tour, started the day with a one-shot lead over Mindy Kim, her co-leader after the first round, and traded the lead with Kim most of the day. But after a nice third shot on 18 that landed on the upper tier past the pin, Otteson coolly nailed the birdie putt to clinch the win.

“Everything just seemed to come together this week,” said Otteson, whose best previous finish this season was 12th place last week at the Decatur stop. “I’ve been working hard on my putting. You don’t know how hard I’ve been working on my putting.”

To make things even more interesting, Jessica Shipley, playing in the group behind the leaders, made a dramatic charge on the back nine, posting four birdies on the final five holes, including a 20-foot putt of her own on 18 to move into a three-way tie and finish with a three under for the day, finishing at -8, 205 for the tournament .

With a playoff looming and Otteson’s second shot some 40 yards closer to the pin, Kim chose to go for the water-protected green on the dogleg left 18th but instead found the pond. Her next shot off her drop landed in the right bunker behind the pin and she settled for a bogey six on the final hole to finish in third place by herself. That was still good enough to move her to the top of the money winning list, displacing Vicky Hurst from the top spot.

For the victory, Otteson, who led or co-led each round of the Tournament, earns $15,400 to move into eighth place on the Tour’s money list.

OTTESON REMAINS IN THE LEAD AT DURAMED CHAMPIONSHIP

2008-06-21T21:25:00.000-04:00

Storm Threat Forces Early Start Times on Sunday

MASON, OH (June 21, 2008) – On this first full day of summer, every bit of extra daylight was needed to complete the rain-delayed second round of the Duramed Championship, with Stephanie Otteson all by herself at the top of the leader board going into Sunday’s final round.

Otteson, whose best finish so far this year on the Duramed FUTURES Tour is a tie for 12th last week at the Decatur stop, had one birdie on her front nine and two birdies on the back nine, including one on the par 5 18th. A bogey on the par 3 14th was the only hole that spoiled her round.

“Some of the pars felt like birdies, I got up and down and pretty much saved or made every situation, every iron shot,” said Otteson. “The rain didn’t really affect me at all. If anything, it gave me a break, I relaxed a bit.”

Mindy Kim, the first round co-leader, is one shot back after a one under 70 to stand alone in second place. In third is Katie Allison, who made a strong charge from a tie for seventh on the strength of a five under 66 to be two shots back of Otteson.

The leaders had just hit their approach shots on the 15th hole when play was suspended just before 6 p.m. A line of thunderstorms and severe weather that came through the Mason area forced tournament officials to pull the remaining 33 golfers who had not finished off the course until 7:40 p.m.

Because of the threat of storms again on Sunday, tournament officials have decided to start the final round with groups going off simultaneously on holes 1 and 10, to speed play. That means the leaders will tee off around 9:30 a.m. and the final round should be finished by about 2 p.m.

Kim, Otteson share Duramed Championship Lead with -7

2008-06-20T18:14:00.000-04:00

Personal Best For Both Is One off Kings Island Course Record

MASON, OH (June 20, 2008) – A pair of second year pros, 18-year old Mindy Kim, and 24-year old Stephanie Otteson, shot their best rounds as professionals today, both with a 7-under 64 to finish as co-leaders after the first round of the $110,000 Duramed Championship, being played this weekend at the Golf Center at Kings Island.

Kim, who already has won back-to-back, wire-to-wire titles this year on the Duramed FUTURES Tour, shot six birdies on the front nine to make the turn at five-under 31, and at one time had six birdies in a row before shooting par on the final three holes of this par 71 course. Otteson did nearly the opposite, closing with a 31 on the back nine, spoiled only by a bogey on her next to last hole.

“I just hit good approach shots to the green and gave myself great opportunities,” said Kim. “I caught some good breaks and holed one from the bunker.”

“I won’t do anything differently for the second round,” said Otteson, who credited hard work on her putting for her low score. “It’ll be nice to have my name known, to have people recognize who Stephanie Otteson is, I’m going to go out with the same game plan.”

Both players just missed tying the women’s course record of eight under 63, set in 198 by LPGA legend Patty Sheehan in the LPGA Championship. Kim comes into Mason third on the Tour money list, with the top five at the end of the season automatically earning their full card to the LPGA. Otteson’s best finish so far this season is a tie for 12th last week at the Michelob ULTRA Duramed FUTURES Players Championship.

In third, just two shots back, is Jenny Gleason after a round of five uner 66. In fourth is a pack tied at minus four, including Kim Welch, Jessica Shepley, Sophia Sheridan and Song Yi Choi.

The Duramed Championship continues Saturday at the Golf Center at Kings Island, with the field cut to half for Sunday’s round. The winner of the Duramed Championship earns $15,400 and the runner-up, $11,000.

The Big Break on a Break this Week

2008-06-11T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Big Break was not on The Golf Channel last night, due to coverage of the U.S. Open. But some of the women of the show will be appearing in the Michelob Ultra Duramed Futures Championship this weekend at Hickory Point in Decatur, Ill. Courtney Erdman, Elizabeth Stuart, Kim Welch and Lori Atsedes will be competing for the $16,100 prize.

The Big Break will return at its normal time, 10 p.m. on June 17. Also coming up soon is the actual Duramed Championship at the Kings Island Golf Center.

Preparation for this event has been huge, and everyone is getting excited for the tournament. Players have a lot to look forward to as well. From the gourmet healthy meals provided, to complementary chiropractic care, and free consultations with a sports physiologist, the tournament is going to be very player oriented.

For more information about the upcoming tournament, visit http://duramedfuturestour.com/2008/Mason.asp.

Samantha Head Eliminated on the Big Break

2008-06-06T14:38:00.001-04:00

This week on the Golf Channel’s The Big Break, Samantha Head was eliminated and lost her chance at the LPGA for this year. An identical twin from England, her dream is to compete in the LPGA with her twin sister Joan. Though they have competed together in a number of tournaments in Europe, the two are still waiting to make their United States debut.

In her exit interview, Samantha said that her elimination was frustrating after three solid weeks of being in the elimination round. Despite her frustrations, she said that the show was a great learning experience for her. She said every morning before a competition she woke up nervous, something that did not typically happen when she was normally golfing.

As far as an overall winner of the Big Break, her prediction like many others is Kim Welch, for her ability to hit the ball so far. Stay tuned to see if these predications are correct.

The Duramed Futures Tour is on a break this week, but travel to Decatur, IL for the Michelob Ultra Duramed FUTURES Players Championship. Visit their Web site at www.duramedfuturestour.com for more information.

Mindy Kim Wins Again!

2008-06-02T10:23:00.001-04:00

At the Aurora Health Care Championship, Mindy Kim had her second consecutive win of the Duramed Futures Tour putting her as the top money leader with $32,172.

In regards to the win, Kim felt thankful; “It takes a little bit of luck to win tournaments and I definitely had that, but I feel really fortunate at this age to be winning and putting myself in contention again,” she said in an article released by the Duramed Futures Tour.

Her victorious run has surprised everyone this year, including her. In her rookie season last November Kim missed the cut at the Duramed Futures Tour qualifying tournament. Using that cut as inspiration, she started to work harder and increase her maturity on the golf course.

At the Aurora Championship, her day began with a birdie on the first hole and for the second tournament in a row, she was the only competitor who finished under par.
Runners up included Kristen Stamp of Moberly, MO, Leah Wigger from Louisville, KY, Sarah-Jane Kenyon of Queensland, AUS and Briana Vega from Andover, Mass.

For a complete list of scores and other information regarding the tournament, visit http://duramedfuturestour.com/2008/LakeGeneva.asp.

Don’t forget to catch the Big Break tomorrow night at 10 p.m. on the Golf Channel.

The Duramed Futures Tour on the Road this Weekend

2008-05-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

This weekend the Duramed Futures Tour continues to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for the 3rd annual Aurora Health Care Championship. The event begins today and ends on Sunday, June 1st. The tournament will benefit the Geneva National Foundation and Aurora Health Care.

Total purse amount is $100,000, the overall winner will walk away with $14,000 and the runner-up receives $10,000.

Last year’s champion was Sofie Anderson from Angelholm, Sweeden by just one stroke. Who will take her place this year?

For those of you keeping up with the Golf Channel’s Big Break, there are a number of competitors from the show in the tournament including; Adrienne Gautreaux, Courtney Erdman, Elizabeth Stuart, Lori Atsedes and Susan Choi.

Foresters and the Geneva National Golf Club presenters work hard to make this event more than just a weekend golf tournament. Special events have been going on throughout the week, giving the community opportunities to see the world-class golfers in the area.

For more information on the tournament, visit www.duramedfuturestour.com.

Courtney leaves the Big Break this Week

2008-05-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

Last night on the Golf Channel’s the Big Break, Courtney Erdman lost the elimination challenge against Samantha Head. The women were close throughout the competition, but Sam ended up just one under par, sending Courtney home. The loss came as a surprise to many of the competitors, as Courtney appeared to be on her way to being the eliminator.

In her exit interview, Courtney said that she enjoyed the overall experience, especially the great friendships that she made. She said she learned a lot, and most importantly learned that she still had a lot to learn.

Courtney’s prediction for the winner of the 2008 Big Break is Kim Welch because of her advantage on how far she can hit the ball.

Be sure to be on the lookout, we have not seen the last of Courtney yet, she is going to continue on the Duramed Futures Tour. The tour is on the road again this weekend to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for the Aurora Health Care Championship. Last year’s winner was Sofie Andersson, who will take her place this year? For more information on the tournament, visit www.duramedfuturestour.com.

The Battle of the Roommates ends in Elimination

2008-05-21T10:20:00.003-04:00

Last night on the Golf Channel’s The Big Break, the elimination came down to roommates Tina Miller and Courtney Erdman in a sudden death challenge as Tina was eliminated.

This week the women in Ka’anapali were joined by LPGA Pros Brittany Lang and Brittany Lincicome to add some additional competition in the immunity challenge. At the end of the challenge, Kim Welch, Sophie Sandalo, Tina and Courtney were in the elimination challenge.

The women competed in an up and down challenge where Kim and Sophie worked their way to safety. In the end, Courtney ended up winning after Tina missed her shot on the green.

The field narrows even further as seven women go into next week’s episode and face yet another elimination challenge.

For more information on the show and the women playing, visit www.thegolfchannel.com. Don’t forget that the Duramed Futures Championship at Kings Island Golf Center is quickly approaching in 29 days! Be sure to check out the website at www.duramedfutureschampionship.com.

Mindy Kim has a Weekend Win

2008-05-19T09:21:00.001-04:00

Mindy Kim, a second- year golfer of the Duramed Futures Tour claimed her first professional title at the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City Championship. The 18-year-old finished with a score of four-under-par (210), a score that beat out the previous record from the 2007 tournament winner, Liz Janagelo.

Although the back nine was a struggle for Kim, she had already created a large enough cushion before starting on Sunday to finish strong and accept her money and trophy on the 18th hole.

Even with the victory, Kim is trying to focus on things to improve before competing in the Aurora Health Care Championship in Lake Geneva, Wis.

"I had a really tough time chipping,” Kim said. “I’ll work with my coach because I was chunking, topping and doing everything I could do that didn’t help.” Kim said in a news release from the Duramed Web site.

Jessica Shepley of Oakville, Ontario finished second with a score of one-over-par(214) for the weekend.

For more coverage of the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City Championship and other tournaments, visit www.duramedfuturestour.com.

The Duramed Futures Tour Continues this Week

2008-05-16T11:44:00.001-04:00

Today begins the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City Championship on the Duramed Futures Tour. The event will benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri. The tournament will be held at the Leawood South Country Club beginning today and ending on Sunday.
There are a number of competitors from The Golf Channel’s Big Break show competing this weekend including; Courtney Erdman, Kim Welch, Lori Atsedes and Susan Choi. How will they do? Will one of them win the tournament and receive $12,600, or finish as the runner up and win $9,000?
Last years champion was Liz Janangelo from West Hartford, Conn. Her winning score was 217 (+4). For more information on the championship, visit their Web site at www.duramedfuturestour.com. For more information on the Big Break visit the www.thegolfchannel.com.

The Big Break Eliminates Again

2008-05-14T13:26:00.000-04:00

Last night on the Golf Channel’s Big Break, Dana Bates was kicked off the show after losing a sudden death elimination challenge versus Kim Welch. Dana blamed her loss on her underestimation of the distance of her shots and the wind.
Dana said she had a great time while she was in the competition and hopes to return to Ka’anapali in two years with the LPGA senior tour. In her exit interview, Dana said that the winner of the Big Break was anyone’s game, but her prediction was Courtney Erdman. Although Courtney has not been the top performer every week, Dana saw a lot of potential in her. The winner will walk away with an exemption to the 2008 Navistar LPGA Classic, free entry into every Duramed Futures Tour, and a BMW Z4 coupe as well as an Adams Golf endorsement contract including $10,000 cash.
This week the Duramed Futures Tour is on the road again, this time to Leawood, Kansas for the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City Championship. For more information, visit the tour’s Web site at www.duramedfuturestour.com.

A Victory for Allison Fouch

2008-05-12T13:01:00.001-04:00

This year Mother’s Day was especially sweet for golfer Allison Fouch, she tied for second in the Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill. Her final prize money amounted to $138,548.
Last year Allison competed in 18 events on the Duramed Futures Tour and finished second on the Duramed Futures Tour season-ending money list, giving her exempt status for the 2008 LPGA season.
Allison’s road to the LPGA was neither fast nor easy. As a natural athlete, Allison competed in a number of sports throughout high school- but a knee injury prevented her from participating in anything other than golf. Her interest in golf grew over the years, and she competed at the colligate level for Michigan State before turning professional in 2004. For more information on Allison, visit www.lpga.com.
Her hard work has paid off, earning over $194,176 overall according to www.lpga.com. Allison believes she found herself and her golf game while on the Duramed Futures Tour last year. "Even if I won the lottery, I'd still be out here on the Duramed FUTURES Tour to get to where I want to be." she said. The players on this tour are serious about their golf game, and about winning.
As always don’t forget to watch the Big Break on the Golf Channel, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. to see who gets eliminated this week!

The Big Break Eliminates Two This Week

2008-05-07T14:47:00.000-04:00

We are now into week four of the Big Break 2008, and last night the contestants all learned that nobody is safe. In a surprise double elimination both Elizabeth Stuart and Adrienne Guatreaux packed their bags and lost their chances for the big break.

Be sure to check out the Big Break on the Golf Channel at 10 p.m. on Tuesdays to keep up to date with all the action, competition and drama in Hawaii.

The Duramed Futures Tour is not traveling again until the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City Championship May 16-18, 2008 to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri. Last years champion was Liz Janagelo of West Harford, Conn.

For more updates on the tour, don’t forget to visit the Web site at http://www.duramedfuturestour.com.

The Big Break Meets Duramed

2008-05-02T09:49:00.001-04:00

First round of the El Paso Golf Classic begins today. Lori Atsedes, Susan Choi, Courtney Erdman, Christian Lecuyer, and Kim Welch, all from The Big Break Ka’anapali, will be taking part in the tournament this weekend.

Find out how the ladies played, and compare to how they have been doing on The Big Break. Don’t forget, the next episode is Tuesday night at 10 on The Golf Channel. Be sure to watch to see who will go home this week.

For more information on The Duramed Tours check out www.duramedfuturestour.com and to see more on The Big Break visit www.thegolfchannel.com

First Elimination!

2008-04-30T10:41:00.002-04:00

Last night’s episode of The Big Break Ka’anapali sent the first woman packing. Kirby Sheppard was unable to make it through the elimination challenge, sending her home on last night’s episode.

Lori Atsedes came out on top in last night’s bonus challenge. Going head-to-head with the other top ladies for a chance to win $5,000, Lori was able to secure the win and take home the cash. Be sure to tune in next week to see who else will make the cut.

The Duramed Futures Tour will be moving on this week and heading to El Paso, TX for the El Paso Golf Classic benefiting the Rotary Club of West El Paso Foundation. Festivities begin tomorrow, May 1, with the Pro Am, and Tournament play going Friday through Sunday.

Last years winner was Mo Martin, who won by only one stroke over Caroline Larsson. Who will be this years El Paso Golf Classic Champion?

For more updates on the Duramed Tour check out www.duramedfuturestour.com

Rookie Winner...Again!

2008-04-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

Rookie sensation Vicki Hurst clinched the win this past weekend at the Jalapeno Classic in McAllen, TX. Coming from a long line of dedicated golfers, Hurst was able to take the championship winning by three strokes over the runner-up Ashley Prange.

Only 17, Hurst was able to stand out not only by her young age and skills, but her colorful collection of Kangol hats that she has. She wears them as a tribute to her grandfather whose favorite player was Payne Stewart.

Don’t forget about this week’s episode of The Big Break, tomorrow night at 10 on the golf channel. Everyone was able to sneak by elimination last week, but will they be so lucky this week? For more information on The Big Break, check out www.thegolfchannel.com

For more Duramed Futures Tour info, check out www.duramedfuturestour.com

Jalapeno Classic!

2008-04-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

Last night on the Big Break Ka’anapali, all the women escaped elimination to continue on next week. Be sure to check back for next week’s results. Go to www.thegolfchannel.com for more information on the ladies who are participating in the Duramed Tours as well.

This weekend the ladies of the Duramed Futures Tour will be heading to McAllen, TX for the Jalapeno Duramed Futures Golf Classic, to benefit McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Cancer Charities. Emily Bastel went away with the win last year scoring 210 (-6), winning by two strokes over Angie Hill.

This year’s Pro Am begins tomorrow, with tournament play starting Friday and going through Sunday. This year’s winner can go home with $11,900, so make sure you stay updated on the Tournament play to see who will be major contenders.

For more information on the Duramed Futures Tour check out www.DuramedFuturesTour.com

Rookie Winner at Pelican Classic

2008-04-21T09:35:00.001-04:00

The Louisiana Pelican Classic came and went this past weekend. Leaving a rookie, M.J. Hur of South Korea the winner. She scored 10 under putting her ahead of the runner-up, Vicky Hurst.

Sunday’s winner was determined in a playoff, where Hur captured the win. This was her first career win here in the U.S. She took home $11,900 this weekend, bringing her career winnings to $13,192.

The next episode of The Big Break is coming up tomorrow night. Be sure to watch to see who could get voted off, and who the top contenders will be. Find out how the girls cope with their new roommates tomorrow night at 10 on The Big Break.

For more information on the Duramed Tour visit www.duramedfuturestour.com

For more information on The Big Break visit www.thegolfchannel.com

Louisiana Pelican Classic

2008-04-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

The ladies of the Duramed Tour are on the move this week as they make their next stop in Lafayette Louisiana. Today begins the Pro Am for the Pelican Classic to benefit Goodwill of Acadiana.

The Pro Am will take place the 16th and the 17th with the tournament beginning Friday the 18th thru Sunday the 20th. The total purse for this event is $85,000 with the winner taking home $11,900 of that purse.

Last years winner was Janell Howland winning by only one stroke over the runner up Mollie Fankhauser. Stay tuned for more updates on the Duramed Futures Tour, and for more information on tournament dates and players check out www.duramedfuturestour.com

Did You Watch?

2008-04-16T11:47:00.000-04:00

So, did anyone watch the Big Break last night? Any preliminary thoughts? Who do you think is going to win?

What did you think of the Duramed FUTURES Tour players who are on the show?

Let us know what you think!

More Info on Golf Channel's Big Break

2008-04-15T16:10:00.001-04:00

Several current and past members of the Duramed FUTURES Tour will kick off the Golf Channel’s ninth reality golf show this Tuesday, April 15, when “Big Break Ka’ anapali” premieres at 10 p.m. E.T. The new show was filmed last fall in Ka’ anapali, Hawaii, and will include current Duramed FUTURES Tour members COURTNEY ERDMAN of Altadena, Calif., LIZ STUART of Tampa, Fla., KIM WELCH of Sacramento, LORI ATSEDES of Ithaca, N.Y., SAMANTHA HEAD of Bedford, England, and SUSAN CHOI of Natick, Mass. Former Duramed FUTURES Tour members ADRIENNE GAUTREAUX of Mabank, Texas, and TINA MILLER of Miami also are in the 12-woman cast.

“I was really nervous at the start, but then I told myself that they picked me for a reason and to just be myself,” said Stuart, who visited Hawaii for the first time during the filming. “I have no idea how I will be portrayed in the show, but I hope I’m seen as just the laid-back, raw talent, poor kid trying to grind her way through it to get somewhere.”

How characters are portrayed is always interesting in the Big Break show, but Atsedes says viewers have to remember one thing: “It’s television and then it’s golf.”

“I’ve been labeled a lot of things … ‘drama queen’ and ‘trouble maker,’ but it’s entertainment,” Atsedes added. “ And we just happen to be golfers.”

Normally shy, Welch admits that she is “nervous, excited and anxious to see how the show’s producers put it all together.” She also says she tries “not to care,” but can’t help but worry.

“I don’t really know what to expect, but it’s going to be weird watching myself on TV,” she said.

Erdman is more concerned about what she will be saying on the show. During filming one day, she and Miller were sitting in a golf cart having a candid conversation when they realized everything they had said was on tape.

“We were just gossiping like girls do and we forgot our mikes were on,” said Erdman, who was in Hawaii filming and away from husband Kevin Erdman during their third wedding anniversary.

Head, who will be back in Europe this week when the show premieres, won’t get to watch it on live TV as she prepares for the 2008 season on the Ladies European Tour.

“I hope it’s going to be shown on the Internet,” said Head, who played the first two Duramed FUTURES Tour events before returning to Europe. “I’m really jealous because all the girls will be able to watch it together in Lafayette (La.). The show will probably go to England at the end of the year.”

But Head did laugh at the thought of how the current show could create a new twist for her twin sister Johanna Head, an LPGA Tour member.

“Now, instead of people saying to me, ‘Oh, you’re Jo’s sister,’ now they will probably say to my sister on the LPGA Tour, ‘Oh, you must be Sam’s sister,” she laughed. “I really like that thought.”

Check out the Premier

2008-04-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

Make sure you check out the ninth season of the Golf Channels Big Break premiering tomorrow night at 10 p.m. Watch these ladies of golf compete against each other for a spot playing professional golf.

The wide variety of ladies participating in this season’s Big Break should provide for some interesting competition. Be sure to check out how the ladies of the Duramed Tour do in this season’s Big Break Kaanapali. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming event of the Duramed Futures Tour.

For Upcoming Duramed Futures Tour dates check out www.duramedfuturestour.com

The Big Break!

2008-04-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

The Duramed Futures Tour is underway, and the ladies were at the American Systems Invitational in Daytona Beach, Fl this past weekend. Leah Wigger came in first with a 212 (-4), Dana Ford coming in second place just two behind Wigger. The next stop for the Duramed Tour will be Lafayette, Louisiana April 18-20th.

The Big Break Kaanapali will be premiering April 15th at 10 p.m. on the Golf Channel. Lori Atsedes, Susan Choi, Courtney Erdman, Samantha Head, Christian Lecuyer, Elizabeth Stuart, and Kim Welch will be some of the ladies featured on the show, as well as this year’s Duramed Futures Tour.

The Big Break can give you a sneak peak of how the ladies are playing this year. Make sure you keep an eye out for them to appear on the Duramed Tour, they just might be one of the top money winners.

For more information on the Golf Channels Big Break go to www.thegolfchannel.com

To see how your favorite players are doing in this year’s Duramed Tour, check out www.duramedfuturestour.com

Duramed Championship Volunteers

2008-04-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for agreeing to volunteer for the tournament, it is great that we have Ladies of Professional Golf back in Cincinnati.

I am slowly but surely making telephone calls to all of the volunteers to introduce myself and to say thank you. If I haven’t reached you yet and if you have a question, please feel free to call me at (513) 459-1006 or email me at marycwright@earthlink.net.

Uniforms have been decided on, they look great. We are asking you to pay $25.00. You receive an Ashworth Men or Women’s golf shirt, an Ashworth long sleeve wind shirt and a khaki baseball cap, all three have the Duramed logo, and only volunteers will have these items. Uniform pick up day will be in May. We ask that you wear khaki pants or walking shorts, ladies capris or a long skort/skirt is also appropriate.

We still are in need or a few chair people or co-chairs, if you are interested please call me. Here are the volunteers that are chairing certain areas.
Mary Wright Volunteer Chair marycwright@earthlink.net or
mary.wright@ohg.nmss.org
Terry Hellman Construction and Banners terry_hellman@trihealth.com
Joe Wright and Ralph Martin Parking dunksboy@aol.com
Jaynee and Tim Beechuk Scoring tbeechuk@zoomtown..com
jayneeb@fuse.net
Diane Johnson Hospitality Dianejoh@aol.com
Becky Clatty Housing rsclatty@yahoo.com
Darlene Prestle Volunteer Tent dprestel@zoomtown.com
Mary Lou Shields Telephones
Tracy Carl Ronald McDonald House tcarl@fuse.net
Mary and Jim Lubbers Cart Drivers MCLUBBE@aol.com or
lubbersjim@aol.com

Here is a brief description of the areas where you can volunteer:

Marshal- will be responsible for crowd control and safety. They assist the professionals with ball spotting and prevent interference from spectators with play.
Cart Drivers- Drives a cart for each threesome of players, the players bags are carried on this cart. The cart driver is also an unofficial scorer for their group.
Housing- will provide private housing for the players and Tour Officials. This can be from Sunday to Sunday. It gives them a home environment for the week.
Parking- will maintain a safe parking area for players, spectators and sponsors.
Construction and Banners- Assists with construction of scoring structures, and putting up banners and signage, as well as other duties in assistants with the golf course staff.
Telephones- Assist with communication to the tournament, from players, sponsors, volunteers and spectators.
Player Services- will assist with securing the private locker room for players, and player inquiries and services.
Hospitality- will work in special designated area for Sponsors and VIPs.
Pro-Am- Assist with the special operations during the Pro-Am events includes pro-am player registration, bag drop, working with officials for any special hole contest.
Volunteer Services- Work in hospitality area assigned to volunteers, assist committees with volunteer check in, answering questions for volunteers and communicating with Volunteer Chair and Officials for time changes, weather delays.
Media Escort- Assist the tournament staff and Gameday Communication staff in area assigned for media.
Scoring-This area has many areas to volunteer
Real Time Scoring- volunteers are assigned to specific holes to communicate scores to Main Leader Board and use the PDA to transmit scores.
Main Leader Board- volunteers are assigned to post the scores as play is going on, you should be agile and able to go up and down a small ladder.
Scoring Tent- this is a secure area where the players will come to verify and sign their scorecards. Verifying hole-by-hole scores and totaling and make sure there are two signatures on cards.
Scorecard Runners- will take scores to the Leader Board and also the Officials Trailer
Nine-Hole Scoring Volunteer- will be positioned on Hole 9 and 18 to receive scores after nine holes of play, and give to the scoreboard recorders.
Standard Bearers- carries a sign that features the player’s names and scores. They assist the cart driver with keeping score. You must be able to walk 18 holes and carry the sign in plain view for spectators.
Timing- May be asked to assist officials with timing of play.
Main Gate-Volunteers will greet spectators and guests and answer questions and give directions and distribute daily pairing sheets

I look forward to talking and meeting all of you and thank you for volunteering for the Duramed Championship.

Mary Wright

New Podcast Posted

2008-03-28T14:17:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have posted a Podcast interview with Lisa Mickey, Director of Communications for the Duramed FUTURES Tour. You can choose to download the podcast by going to our company website - http://www.gamedaypr.com - or you can go to the Podcast section of the iTunes Store, search on Betsy Ross, and select the icon that says Game Day Communications.

More podcasts will be posted as we get nearer to the tournament.

In the next week, look for an updated posting directed towards volunteers as well as some information about advertising that you'll start seeing in the near future. We'll also have some exciting news about sponsors in the next few weeks also.

Remember, to stay in touch with the Duramed FUTURES Tour, visit the tour's website - http://www.duramedfuturestour.com.

Golf Season is Coming Soon!

2008-03-01T10:58:00.002-05:00

Now that we've made it out of February, it won't be long before the ladies are teeing it up on June 20th at the Golf Center at Kings Island in the 2008 Duramed Championship.

Many groups are busily working now - all focusing on making this the best stop of the Duramed FUTURES Tour. Mary Wright continues to organize her volunteers, which now number over 300! The folks at Kings Island are gearing up for the event with construction of a temporary driving range scheduled to begin this week. Thanks to our friends at Duke Energy for their help in making this happen. We continue to work on selling sponsorships and ProAm groups and to work with partners to help bring large crowds out to the Golf Center.

The Duramed FUTURES Tour starts play next week in Lakeland, FL and the LPGA Tour started just a few weeks ago. Last week, at the Fields Open, 6 of the Top 10 finishers were graduates from the Duramed FUTURES Tour - and Duramed FUTURES Tour alum Lorena Ochoa didn't even play in the Fields Open! We'll continue to watch the LPGA Tour results to see how the alumnae from the Duramed Tour perform. There will also be four players from the Duramed FUTURES Tour competing in Golf Channel's upcoming Big Break, which airs starting on April 15th. As we get closer to that date, look for more information on Big Break and the players who you could very well see in Cincinnati later this summer.

Look for updated blogs every week or two over the next few months with more frequent postings as we get closer to the Duramed Championship. In addition to keeping you updated on how things are going relative to this year's event, we will also be looking back on the LPGA Championships held at Kings Island back in the 1970s and 1980s.

If you have any specific topics you'd like us to blog about, please post a reply to this message and we'll see about queuing up your topic. Here's hoping that the weather improves enough between now and the next posting so that we can all get out and dust the rust off of our swings. Until next time, hit them straight!