When the Coates Golf Championship was canceled after just two highly-successful years at Golden Ocala, there was tremendous disappointment both at LPGA headquarters and with all the golf aficianados in and around Marion County who had the good fortune to be able to watch and hobnob with the best women players in the world.

    The first tournament, in 2014, was won by Na Yeon Choi, who told everybody they could remember her name by her New York City initials. The four sunny days drew more than 80,000 spectators and local officials said there was an economic impact of approximately $18.4 million in the county. Players told the media there were more fans than they drew at many of their majors. 

    The ladies interviewed by the media were unanimous in their praise of the golf course, clubhouse, crowds, the area and Horse and Hounds right across the street. 

    A year later, the event was won by the personable Ha Na Jang, but this one was plagued by rain in the second and fourth rounds, taking away much of the luster. 

    Now, due to several events being canceled around the world due to the virus, the LPGA has announced that it will return to Golden Ocala for four days beginning on March 4 with the Drive On Championship. There's no doubt that the ladies who were here for one or both of the previous two events will be in for a big surprise when they see the new World Equestrian Center for the first time, along with the hotel, gift shops, etc. The LPGA media people say there are many players who are also equestrians, and they should love what they see. 

    There is no outside sponsor for the event - Drive On is an arm of the LPGA. It has sponsored two events thus far, won by Danielle Kang in Ohio in July and Ally McDonald in Georgia in October. This one will be played at 54 holes and has a purse of $1.5 million. It counts for 500 points in the Race to the CME Globe. 

    More information to come as it is received.    

    

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