Ginn Tribute dropped from LPGA schedule

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The LPGA tournament hosted by Annika Sorenstam will be dropped from the tour's schedule for at least the next two seasons, the LPGA announced Friday.

The tournament -- officially called the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika -- had been contested in 2007 and 2008, with Nicole Castrale winning the first year and Seon Hwa Lee the second. Both titles were decided in playoffs.

Bobby Ginn, chairman of The Ginn Cos., said "the current market and corresponding cuts in corporate spending" made it tough for the tournament to find sponsors.

The move leaves the LPGA without a stop in the Charleston, S.C., area.

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said the decision to cancel the 2009 and 2010 Ginn Tribute tournament was "mutually agreed" to.

"We also appreciate all of the fan support that the LPGA received in Charleston and from throughout South Carolina and look forward to returning to South Carolina market in the future," she said.