LPGA Championship back to Bethesda

It's new dates and a new contract, but the site will be the same when the 1992 Mazda LPGA Championship is held May 14-17 at Bethesda Country Club. The joint announcement was made by Hal Seward, executive tournament manager of Advantage International, and Jim Silman, president of Bethesda CC.

A new contract calls for the club to be host to the event for one year. "The original contract is history," Seward said. That was a five-year deal, calling for the club to hold the championship for two years, with three one-year options to follow.

"We are pleased to return to Bethesda CC," Seward said. "The players like the course because it provides a good test of golf -- the kind of tough layout you expect for a major championship.

"At the same time, the earlier date should provide better weather conditions. We had to play later [the last weekend in July 1990 and the last weekend in June 1991] because of scheduling concerns. Now, the course will be in even better shape than in the past and the climate will be much more comfortable for players and spectators."

Silman said the support given by the membership was important.

"We're happy the LPGA turned out extremely good reports on the tournament the last two years, citing such aspects as the volunteers and the communications. Our membership has indicated it wanted the tournament back, and I've already had calls from some of our volunteers saying they'd be happy to do it again."