Gail Graham fondly reminisces about the 1987 du Maurier Classic, where she watched JoAnne Carner and Ayako Okamoto from the edge of a bunker, feeling starstruck for an hour. Graham, a British Columbia native, was the low amateur that week, reinforcing her belief in a future LPGA career. This week marks the 50th anniversary of the CP Women’s Open, Canada’s premier golf event. Initially managed by Jocelyne Bourassa, the first Canadian woman to win in 1973, the tournament has inspired generations of female golfers.
The event initially became a major in 1979, only to lose that status due to restrictions on tobacco advertising. Despite uncertainty after 2000, the event successfully returned in 2001 with Bank of Montreal sponsorship. Although no longer a major, players like Lorie Kane still considered it the unofficial fifth major due to its prestige.
The 2024 CP Women’s Open is being held at the Earl Grey Club in Calgary, featuring a field of 156 players, including 16 Canadians. The $2.6 million purse includes a first-place prize of $390,000. The tournament has moved across various top courses in Canada, offering amenities like high-quality food and on-site services like barber and masseuse, creating a positive experience for players.
The event has a rich history, with champions like Amy Alcott, Meg Mallon, and Cristie Kerr, contributing to its legacy. Lydia Ko, at 15 years, became the youngest LPGA winner at the 2012 CN Canadian Women’s Open, impressing seasoned players like Stacy Lewis. Canadian Brooke Henderson made history in 2018 by winning the CP Women’s Open, becoming the first Canadian since Bourassa to do so.
The CP Women’s Open has a strong tradition of showcasing talent and inspiring future generations of female golfers in Canada.
