Written By: Ron Sirak@ronsirak
FRENCH LICK, IND. – Helen Alfredsson is the unquestioned queen of the senior circuit. The mercurial Swede outplayed one of the legends of the game and outlasted grueling weather on Wednesday to capture the Senior LPGA Championship presented by Old National Bank by three strokes over Hall of Famer Juli Inkster.
Alfie’s victory on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick gave her a sweep of the senior majors this year, adding the Senior LPGA Championship to the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, matching a feat accomplished by Laura Davies last year. Alfie’s victory on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick gave her a sweep of the senior majors this year, adding the Senior LPGA Championship to the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, matching a feat accomplished by Laura Davies last year. Alfredsson was also second in the Senior LPGA Championship last year and third in 2017, the first year it was a major, as well as T-6 in the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open. Continue to read at LPGA.com….
Senior LPGA Championship’s Charitable Contributions to Riley Hospital for Children Surpass $1 Million Mark
Senior LPGA Championship at French Lick Resort Gives Back to Patients, Families of “Riley Kids”
When it comes to charitable giving, golf has long been recognized as the most prolific supporter among all professional sports in the United States. The $3 billion-plus professional golf has presented to worthy causes is a humbling figure, but the real inspiration comes in meeting the beneficiaries of such support. At the Senior LPGA Championship at French Lick Resort, which was held for the third consecutive year this week, a special legacy flourishes between the tournament, the resort, the community and the families of the benefitting charity, the Riley Hospital for Children. At this week’s tournament, the hospital received $200,000 and surpassed the lifetime $1-million-dollar mark in charitable donations from the event.
All week long, the Senior LPGA Championship presented by Old National Bank showcased a prevailing sense of camaraderie and community by the presence of the nearly two dozen Riley Kids (patients and former patients of the hospital) who were invited to partake in the week’s festivities with their families. Some of the Riley Kids also spent time announcing the pros on the first tee during the golf tournament, others shared their stories at the Pro-Am pairings party, others had the opportunity to caddie for players or just meet and socialize with the legends of the women’s game.
“French Lick Resort has been an amazing champion of the Riley Children’s Foundation. Making these brave kids and their families a focal point during the Senior LPGA has provided immeasurable inspiration and a deeper connection with the fans and community,” says Brad Moritz, senior corporate gift officer for Riley Hospital for Children. “The Riley Kids and their families are treated like royalty when they’re at that incredible resort and their gratitude and positive attitudes leave a lasting impression on everyone they meet.”
Three-time cancer survivor and former Indianapolis University golfer Ashtyn Brown, who has worked in television production and now has her sights on studying to become a radiologist, was also on hand at during the event hit the ceremonial first shot this week.
“The patients and their families got to be a part of something special and the people they meet walk away with a deep, unforgettable appreciation for the work the Riley Hospital for Children does for so many children in our Indiana communities and beyond,” says Joe Vezzoso, vice president of sales for French Lick Resort.
Founded in 1924, the Riley Hospital impacts all 92 counties in Indiana and is Indiana’s only comprehensive pediatric research hospital, with expert physicians in every pediatric specialty handling more than 300,000 patient visits per year. Riley is among the top pediatric research hospitals in the nation, thanks to its partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine. Riley researchers are working on new treatments and cures for a wide variety of childhood illnesses including: cancer, heart defects, neurological disorders, asthma, cystic fibrosis and diabetes. The funds raised from the Senior LPGA Championship at French Lick Resort are earmarked for direct patient care.
