5-time champ Pak withdraws from Farr

SYLVANIA, Ohio (WUPW) - Five-time Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic winner Se Ri Pak withdrew from this week's tournament due to an injury, but that was not the biggest news of the day out in Sylvania.

Eastwood High School graduate Alyssa Shimel, the reigning 2009 Div. II state golf individual champion, qualified for this weekend's tournament after finishing with a 74 at the Sylvania County Club.

Shimel, who will play golf for the University of Michigan this fall, will compete against the pros as an amateur.

"That's wonderful that Alyssa won our junior tournament several years ago, she's the state high school champion, she's going to the University of Michigan on a full-ride, and now she's earned her way into this field," said Judd Silverman, tournament director. "She's 17-18 years old, and this will be great to see her. This will be her first time ever against the greatest players in the world."

Pak notified the LPGA office on Monday that she will not be golfing at Highland Meadows in Sylvania July 1-4. She's battled injuries for much of the year and is trying to get healthy as she prepares for next week's U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.

"We heard from the LPGA that she must have sustained an injury over the weekend in Rochester, and and she won't be here this time, which is unfortunate," Silverman said. "But all Se Ri has done for us since she's turned pro is support this tournament, so we want to support her if she's down and not feeling very well. We want her to get back on her game and hopefully play next week's U.S. Women's Open."

Laura Diaz and Suzann Pettersen, two other LPGA pros, also withdrew from this weekend's tournament.

It also looks like the Classic will take a year break in 2011 but return with a new deal with the LPGA in 2012. Part of the reason is due to Toledo playing host for the U.S. Senior Open at Inverness County Club.