Manulife Financial Renews Title Sponsorship of LPGA Event

The Manulife Financial LPGA Classic will remain in Waterloo Region for at least the next two years following renewed support from the title sponsor.

The financial services company confirmed Monday it will stay on as title sponsor for the popular event in 2015 and 2016. The third edition of the tournament, with an increased purse of $1.5 million US, will be contested June 5-8 at the city-owned Grey Silo Golf Course.

“We are thrilled to bring this world-class event to Waterloo Region,” said Marianne Harrison, president and chief executive officer of Manulife Canada.

“The community’s support of the tournament has been outstanding, bringing in over 60,000 spectators each year and the support of over 1,000 dedicated volunteers. Fans have also been treated to exciting golf with two sudden-death playoffs.”

The location for the 2015 and 2016 tournaments has yet to be decided, but Grey Silo, which hosted a media gathering on Monday, and the Whistle Bear Golf Club in North Dumfries are the likeliest destinations.

Negotiations between tournament owner Sports Properties International and the two suitors are ongoing, said company president Jack Swift. “Nothing has been finalized … we’ll make a decision after this year’s tournament and we’ll hold another press conference to announce that decision,” said Swift.

“We’ve enjoyed a great run with Grey Silo and hopefully we can continue, but I have to tell you it’s our job to create the best venue we can. You’re always looking at ways of making the event better, and if that means moving it, so be it. If not, that’s OK too.”