NBC-TV says NO to LPGA, Donald Trump and $1 million prize

The ladies of the LPGA finally get the opportunity to earn in one event as much as their PGA Tour counterparts. A million-dollar first place purse is being dangled in front of the contestants at the ADT Championship to see which golfer comes out of the gate strongest, fastest and with the tenacity of a pit-bull.

Donald Trump has once again plotted and planned to make sure that his Trump International Golf Club was the host for this year’s event. Trump has actively been pursuing the LPGA and attending planning board meetings in the hopes of securing several events for his posh golf courses. With big money on the line, I’m surprised that even “The Donald” couldn’t secure more than just two hours of final round television coverage on NBC-TV.

Karrie Webb was the first qualifier, earning her entry with a win at the Kraft Nabisco. Sorenstam earned her points with a win at the U.S. Women’s Open, Se Ri Pak rallied at the McDonalds LPGA Championship and Lorena Ochoa basically won almost every other tournament this season…okay, not quite. That being said, the qualifiers are all terrific golfers whose names appear on the LPGA tournament rosters each week. Some made it in on points, others on event wins but either way, it’s the best of the best at this season finale.

Out of 32 combatants almost half are Asian with the two wildcard spots going to both Ai Miyazato and Sung Ah Yim. The chances are strong that someone from the Asian contingency could become a millionaire. Naturally, Michelle Wie will not be competing. Not only is she not a member of the LPGA Tour but she hasn’t garnered enough points nor won an event this year. Without Wie in the mix, Morgan Pressel should feel much more comfortable in front of the press.

Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis will be in attendance, both searching for their first win. Cristie Kerr has performed admirably but can she clinch the trophy with the other heavy hitters on the field?

I’m personally rooting for Lorena Ochoa to be crowned the victor because she has learned how to keep composed when the chips are down (the snowman last week should only strengthen her resolve). Sorenstam is probably one of the greatest female golfers of all time but I would like to see someone come along and make her work for her title defense. It could only make the LPGA more exciting to the media.

Whoever winds up as the victor, this tournament should be a crowning achievement to a year filled with emotional highs and lows. That being said, Carolyn Bivens has announced the 2007 LPGA Tour schedule which has improved purses as well as it’s first visit to St. Andrews for the Women’s British Open. That alone should get some improved television coverage!

Perhaps Bivens is making changes for the betterment of the LPGA Tour!

Be mesmerized by the great golf action of the ADT Championship on The Golf Channel which will switch over to NBC-TV for final round coverage.