Golfweek's Gene Yasuda and Beth Ann Baldry did some research into where the 2010 LPGA Tour schedule stands.  Here's what they've found:

Of this year’s 16 scheduled U.S. tournaments (excluding majors), 13 – at best – will return for the 2010 schedule. Three events already are defunct: Turtle Bay (formerly SBS Open), Kapalua LPGA Classic and LPGA Corning Classic.

At least seven of these events have title-sponsorship contracts expiring this year. Among this group, tournament owners of the Sybase Classic, P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship and Navistar LPGA Classic are optimistic about continuing in 2010.

At least four are under contract through at least 2010: Safeway Classic, CVS/pharmacy LPGA Challenge (name changed following acquisition of Longs Drugs), Bell Micro LPGA Classic and Tour Championship.

The LPGA is launching a new event in Southern California next year with J Golf, the tour’s Korean cable TV partner. In addition, LPGA State Farm Classic has committed to return.

On the international front, the tour announced July 21 the creation of another tournament in Mexico beginning in 2010: the Acapulco LPGA Classic, to be held next spring at Tres Vidas Golf Club. Two of the LPGA’s three existing events in Mexico are up for renewal this year: MasterCard Classic and Corona Championship. MasterCard’s status is uncertain; Corona hasn’t officially committed, but event organizers have expressed confidence the event will continue. The third event, Lorena Ochoa Invitational, is under contract through 2012.

In addition, the Evian Masters’ contract expires in 2009, but a tournament official said "all the lights are green for a renewal." Tour officials also said Honda LPGA Thailand and CN Canadian Women’s Open are part of the 2010 schedule.

The folks at Golfweek also indicate that the new leadership team, led by Marsha Evans, is willing to negotiate down the increased tournament fees that were set to kick in next season.  This may be a big reason behind any success that the Tour has in keeping events.