Alas. We are finally going to be able to crown a new “Queen of the Greens” here in Canada. The CP Women’s Open is back. After a long two year hiatus when Jin Young Ko tasted victory at Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario (just north Toronto). The LPGA has finally returned north of the border.

In 2022, the focus shifts to the nation’s capital region as the world’s top women golfers descend on Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club. The club itself is steeped in history as the original design (South and West courses respectively) was designed by Willie Park Jr a World Golf Hall of Fame member and a two-time British Open Champion. Decades later, renowned Canadian golf architect (Tom McBroom) redesigned the golf club’s green complexes while further renovation took place in 2013/15. The focus then was to provide a much better practice facility, consequentially turning the Par 72 golf course into a Par 71.

The 2019 CP Women’s Open Champion Jin Young Ko seen here flanked by two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers. (Photo Credit: LPGA)

A star-studded field led by local legend Brooke Henderson (from nearby Smith’s Falls) will be playing for a total purse worth $2.35M USD. The winner’s share being worth $352,500 USD. Golf Course Superintendent Eric Ruhs and his team have done an amazing work in getting the golf course ready for tournament play. While the golf course does measure 6,923 yards the CP Women’s open will be contested with a “White Line Yardage” of 6,544 yards (Par 71). There will be 80 bunkers for the field to traverse along with 2 ponds. With recent rainfall as recently as Monday night the golf course will undoubtedly play longer than advertised. Player’s beware, stray off of the fairway and the rough is lush.

Not to be forgotten is the charity this week. “CP Has Heart” has raised $13M in support of children’s heart health for the CHEO Foundation. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. All funds raised this year will go towards upgrading outdated equipment used by the CHEO Cardiology team.

The 18th green at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

Also, the Par 3 163 yard 15th hole will be the site of “Birdies For Heart”. Every birdie made this week during tournament play will result in CP donating an additional $5,000.

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