Ginn Open renames championship trophy

By Tim Reynolds, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Kelly Jo Dowd's memory will live on at the Ginn Open.

The LPGA tournament is renaming its winner's trophy in memory of Dowd, the Palm Harbor, Fla., woman whose fight against breast cancer made international headlines two years ago when her then-13-year-old daughter, Dakoda, played in the event.

Now, the Ginn winner will receive what is being called "The Kelly Jo Dowd Championship Trophy." ... read more.

Ginn Employee Trini Hartley chosen to present the 2008 Ginn OPEN trophy

Ginn Resorts employee Trini Hartley presented Ginn OPEN champion Lorena Ochoa with the Kelly Jo Dowd Championship Trophy April 20

Following a four-day search for an employee to represent Ginn Resorts in the presentation of the first Kelly Jo Dowd Championship trophy, Trini, a featured builder liaison at Tesoro, was selected to present the trophy.

Trini, who has been with Ginn Resorts for nearly five years, is currently battling Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She undergoes chemotherapy treatments every Friday.

“I followed the story of Kelly Jo and the Dowd family, and I completely understood the need for a mother to see her child live out a dream,” Trini said.

“I am thrilled I was able to represent Ginn Resorts and present this beautiful trophy recently renamed in Kelly Jo’s honor.”

The Ginn OPEN renamed its tournament trophy in memory of Kelly Jo Dowd, mother of Dakoda Dowd, the then 13-year-old who played in the 2006 Ginn OPEN on a sponsor’s exemption to fulfill her mother’s dying wish. Kelly Jo Dowd died of complications from breast cancer in 2007.

The 2008 Ginn OPEN will make a contribution to Making Memories and the KJ Koda Dowd Fund.

Annika Sorenstam swaps putts for pool

Golf star Annika Sorenstam traded in her golf club for a pool cue and faced off against billiards champion Sarah Ellerby in a friendly pool game during the 2008 Ginn OPEN^â.

While the No. 2 ranked golf star has a billiard’s table at home, she admitted that her table was dusty and her skills were rusty – especially against No. 7 ranked billiards pro Ellerby.

“This isn’t really my sport by any means, but I am competitive – doesn’t matter if it’s golf, pool or cards,” Sorenstam said. “I try to do the best I can.”

The champion athletes settled for a tie, each clinching one victory on the new state-of-the-art, custom-made billiards table at Ginn Reunion Resort.

Ellerby, known as Velvet in the billiards world, will make a series of special appearances at Reunion Resort throughout the year to teach members and guests basic pool fundamentals to raise their game.

Sorenstam, with more than 80 victories across the globe, operates the ANNIKA Academy, her 5,400 square-foot golf school, from Ginn Reunion Resort.

+ read the original press release
+ View photos from this special event

GOLF CHANNEL’S SPARKS ACCEPTS SPONSOR’S EXEMPTION TO PLAY GINN OPEN;

Following Two Back Surgeries, the Former Amateur Champion Gets Another Chance at the LPGA

REUNION, Fla., March 19, 2008 – Stephanie Sparks, Golf Channel personality, has accepted a sponsor’s exemption to the third-annual Ginn OPEN, April 14-20 at Ginn Reunion Resort. Sparks, who played on the LPGA in 2000, is an accomplished amateur champion.

“Having had the opportunity to get a taste of the LPGA in 2000 was definitely a lifelong dream come true for me,” said Sparks. “I am so appreciative to the people at Ginn for giving me this opportunity to play again on the Tour ... read more |  See the Field List

2008 GINN OPEN PHOTOS

Photo Galleries

2008 GINN OPEN PAIRINGS

First | Second | Third | Final

NOTES & QUOTES
 

	Annika Sorenstam ● April 8
	Annika Sorenstam ● April 15
	Suzann Pettersen ● April 15
	Brittany Lincicome ● April 16
	Lorena Ochoa ● April 16
	First Round ● April 17
	Second Round ● April 18
	Third Round ● April 19
	Final Round ● April 20

RESULTS

	Second Round
	Third Round
	Final Results & Money