"We feel like our opportunity to own a major is not that big a risk. We are weighing our option on courses and talking to some remarkable sponsors. We think that this is a risk that is very worth taking and that it's an investment in the future," Bevins said. "The rewards at this point ... are the opportunity to begin to control one's destiny."
Bulle Rock, named after the first thoroughbred horse brought to America, opened in 1998. It was designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye and sits on 235 acres along U.S. 40 in Havre de Grace, surrounded by a gated community.
Dottie Pepper, the winner of 17 LPGA Tour events who now works as a Golf Channel commentator, said the 6,641-yard, par-72 course with rolling hills and creeks puts Bulle Rock in the same league as Bethesda Country Club, which played host from 1990 to 1993.
FOR THE RECORD - LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens' name was misspelled in a sports article Monday.
The Baltimore Sun regrets the error.
"I think the finish is what sets this place apart - on both nines. Within the last four holes of each side, you have a reachable par-5. You have finishing holes at 9 and 18 where you can make 3s, but you can make 5 or 6 very easily. And there's a wide variety of par 3s that really stand up to major championship golf. A little downhill, some uphill. None of them plays the same direction, and I think it's just a wonderfully balanced golf course."
So what's next for Bulle Rock?
Havre de Grace Mayor Wayne Dougherty said he had lunch last week with Clark Turner, one of the three Bulle Rock real estate partners, and came away feeling that the golf course "can weather the loss" of the Championship.
"Bulle Rock, the golf course, isn't going anywhere. It's staying right here," Dougherty said.
Rick Rounsaville, the course's general manager, agreed. While he's saddened by the loss of the event and sees nothing of that caliber on the horizon to replace it, "I don't see it affecting us positively or negatively. Our goal every day is to be tournament quality."
Championship organizers are hoping for tournament-quality weather and crowds for the farewell event.
"The people of Maryland have been very kind to us," Quinn said. "We raised a lot of money our first four years for the kids, but we sure can use their help this year."
LPGA Championship
When:: Thursday-Sunday (first tee times Thursday and Friday, 7:15 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.)
Where:: Bulle Rock, Havre de Grace
Defending champion:: Yani Tseng
TV:: Golf Channel (Thursday and Friday, 12:30-3:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
Tickets:: Single-day passes Monday-Wednesday for pro-ams, practice rounds, $20; Thursday-Friday, $22; Saturday-Sunday, $25. Weeklong badges, $65. Kids younger than 16 get in free with ticketed adult.
Parking:: Ripken Stadium every day except Saturday, when a concert moves parking to Water's Edge Corporate Campus, 4685 Millennium Drive, Belcamp
Information:: mcdslpgachampionship.com
McDonald's LPGA Championship
Thursday-Sunday
Bulle Rock
Havre de Grace
