Tuscaloosa Welcomes EPSON Qualifying Event to Ol’ Colony Golf Complex
The Tuscaloosa Parks and Recreation Authority in partnership with Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports and Tuscaloosa Toyota held a press conference at the Ol' Colony Golf Complex to announce the first professional golf tournament to come to the West Alabama community.
The Tuscaloosa Toyota Classic will be an EPSON Tour event and serve as an official qualifier for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
The seven-day event is to be held the final week of September (Sep. 26- Oct. 2) and feature 120 professional women golfers from almost 30 countries all looking to qualify for the LPGA Tour. There will be a three-day tournament for the professionals and a two-day Pro-Am event.
"This is a community effort. There's not a professional event manager, we're doing it with all volunteers, with the support of PARA and Tuscaloosa Sports and Tourism staff. We're in the early stages of this project and excited about the enthusiasm that we've been recieved with in the community," said Wright Waters.
Former Alabama golfer Lakareber Abe is an active member of the EPSON Tour and was present for the announcement of the event. Abe expressed excitement to return to her collegiate home course in her professional life.
Ol' Colony was selected as the home site for the new event as the EPSON Tour is looking for courses that will challenge its members and prepare them for the rigors of the LPGA tour.
PARA and Tuscaloosa Sports and Tourism are already looking for volunteers for the event. Those looking assist the players, media and golf course can go ahead and sign up here.
For Crimson Tide fans wanting to coordinate plans for the weekend, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team will be playing on the road that weekend, taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks.