Farr back for 26th year

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, Presented by Kroger, will be back for the 2010 season, tournament director Judd Silverman said in a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

The annual early summer professional golf tournament held at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania resigned a one-year sponsorship agreement with Owens Corning and with with Kroger grocery chain.

"It's a great day for the community," Silverman said. "After 25 years we wanted to do everything possible to bring the tournament back. Thanks to Owens Corning and Kroger for leading the way, and thanks to the LPGA and their willingness to work with us to find a livable business model that both organizations can be successful with."

"The new leadership really came in with a new attitude and did not want to lose this tournament off their schedule," Silverman added. "They were very willing to accommodate us. Both sides are going to move forward feeling very good at where we are at."

The 2010 event, which will feature a $1 million purse, will be held June 28 - July 4. The Farr first debuted on the LPGA schedule in 1984, and with the exception of 1986, has been held ever since. The 2009 event was the silver anniversary of the annual pro golf tournament in greater Toledo.

“Owens Corning is proud to continue as the title sponsor of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic,” Owens Corning CEO Mike Thaman said. “We are pleased to partner with the LPGA and support an event that will benefit both the LPGA and the Northwest Ohio community.”

Silverman's announcement ended months of speculation about whether the tournament would join other LPGA tournaments that have folded in the last year.

The LPGA made some concessions from its earlier hard line stance demanding more prize money. Because of that Owens Corning and Kroger will again be able to sponsor the tournament.

"So many people have called and written and emailed, wanting to know the status," Silverman said. "It is heartwarming to see how the community really cared about this event."

Tournament host and actor Jamie Farr gave it a 50-50 chance of being around next year when he was asked about the event's future in late June.

The LPGA Tour's economic challenges led to the resignation of commissioner Carolyn Bivens in July after 15 golfers signed a letter during Jamie Farr tournament week. Many top players complained about the dwindling number of tournaments.

The Corning Classic in Corning, N.Y., ended in May after 31 years when its title sponsor called it quits.

“We are pleased to return to the Toledo area for the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, a staple on the LPGA Tour for 25 years,” said Marty Evans, acting LPGA commissioner, in a statement released by the LPGA.

“The fans in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan embrace our players and appreciate the impressive level of golf and sports entertainment that they provide the community and the tournament sponsors," Evens added. "We appreciate the commitment of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic and its sponsors, which has produced so many great winners over the years, counting Hall of Famers as well as up-and-comers on its list of champions.”
 

(FOX Toledo's Joe Rychnovsky contributed to this report)