Game On – Symetra tour returns to Sioux Falls
It’s tee time in Sioux Falls – especially if you’re a golfer on the Symetra Tour – The Road to the LPGA. For the third year in a row the Tour will bring its slate of 144 talented women to Willow Run Golf Course to compete for a shot at a purse of $210,000 – with the winner taking home $31,500 – and points in the Volvik Race for the Card toward a coveted spot on the pro tour.
The Sioux Falls GreatLIFE Challenge is one of only five 72-hole events on the tour and one of only 22 cities to host the tour. According to the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB), Sioux Falls will realize more than $3 million in economic impact, depending on overall attendance.
“Sioux Falls is honored to be the host city for the 2017 Symetra Tour” says Teri Schmidt, Executive Director of the CVB. “Willow Run provides an exceptional venue for the tournament. From the beauty and quality of the course to the commitment from the Walsh family, along with all the volunteers, the Symetra is positioned to be one of the best in the country. It brings a level of golf to Sioux Falls that many people from around the country come to see!
The tournament will begin on August 31 with the winner clinching the title on September 3. It will be hosted once again by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club and the Sioux Falls CVB.
ALL GOLF. ALL WEEK.
Golfers from across the region can enjoy a spectacular view of the fairway action and the LPGA hopefuls, and enjoy a few special events throughout the week of the tour including:
- Free Kids Clinic – Tuesday, August 29, Willow Run Driving Range, Putting Green and Short Game Area
- Chuck the Hit Man, Golf Entertainer – Tuesday, August 29, Willow Run Driving Range
To add to the excitement, one ambitious young golfer will have the opportunity to earn a spot in the GreatLIFE Challenge at an open qualifier to be held at Willow Run on August 25. The qualifier is open to all South Dakota female residents and any female college student that attends an accredited in-state college or university. Entries close Monday, August 21. Contact Jason Sudenga, GreatLIFE Director of Golf at 605-940-7344.
Last year’s winner, Nelly Korda, chalked up her first professional win since joining the LPGA Symetra Tour, followed by Wicahnee Meechai in second place at 11 under par and Ally McDonald and Madelene Sagstrom tied for third at 9 under.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
To ensure the success of this weeklong event, sponsors are looking for local volunteers to act as host families and to provide other services throughout the tournament. To learn more about these and other volunteer opportunities or to sign up, visit www.greatlifechallenge.com.