Safeway Pulls Out of Popular Phoenix LPGA Event

Bill Huffman reports that one of the tour's more popular events is about to lose its sponsor, and includes some interesting numbers in the story.

Maletis said it takes about $5 million “on the average” to run an LPGA event.

“But that also depends a little bit on the level of participation by the sponsor, so we wouldn’t necessarily need a $5 million commitment in order for a sponsor to get involved with our tournament,” he said.

Last year, a record 151,000-plus fans turned out to watch Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, the No. 1 ranked player in the world, win the Safeway International. The tournament also raised $1 million for charity with an economic impact on the East Valley estimated at over $21 million.