In another story earlier today, Hound Dog Ken Hartis provided a link to let us know that the 2009 LPGA Corning Classic will be the last rendition of the tournament.

The Board of Directors of the LPGA Corning Classic announced today that the 2009 LPGA Corning Classic will be the final staging of the event that has been a part of the Corning, New York community since 1979. The challenging economic environment, resulting in a significant decline in sponsorships needed to support a successful event, were deciding factors in the board’s decision.

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens: “The LPGA Corning Classic has hosted many of the LPGA’s rising stars all the way through to their hall of fame careers, embracing players, staff and caddies as part of the greater Corning family. We are keenly aware of the challenges presented by today’s economic environment and respect Corning’s decision to do what it feels is right for its company and community. ”

The writing was on the wall for this event.  Despite the LPGA Tour's one-in-four rule, players actually skipped this event and were willing to pay the fine or use their one career exemption to the rule.  (In Lorena Ochoa's defense, she was defending champion of like a dozen events that year.) 

Events like the Corning one have relied on community support and the one-in-four rule for years.  Unfortunately, during these economic times, the conditions sped up the decline of the event.  I wish that weren't true, but we will have to see what may replace it.