Hendel: Pro-Ams, gatherings highlight Dana Open week

GREAT golf and fun are at the 40th anniversary DANA Open at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, which ends Sunday.

The tournament, which hosts some of the greatest women golfers in the world, is among the longest-running LPGA tournaments.

LEADING up to the Ladies Professional Golf Association tournament were Pro-Ams including the Kickoff and KeyBank events and the Toledo Community Foundation Putting Pro-Am all at Highland Meadows. The Hylant Pro-Am, where there was a Richard Hylant Trophy, and the Dana Pro-Am were at Inverness Club. Many community men and women who played in the Pro-Ams had fun stories to share.

THERE was also the 19th Hole gala presented by O-I and Hollywood Casino Toledo at the casino, which I covered in my Thursday column.

THE Owens Corning Women’s Leadership Summit soiree, the Premiere Experience, presented by Epson was Wednesday in the Champions Pavilion. A social hour was followed by a celebrity panel of LPGA golfers inside the pavilion while a few Pro-Am teams were still coming in off the links.

Meg Ressner, founder of the Women’s Leadership Summit to create personal development, networking, and making a meaningful impact on our community, said “It’s our responsibility to support each other.” Since its inception the Summit has raised more than $1 million for children’s charities.

Emcee Chrys Peterson moderated. Judd Silverman , tournament director, gave a brief story of how the tournament started as the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic in 1984 at what was then Glengarry Country Club, now Stone Oak Country Club. He was just a caddie, but had a big idea to bring a LPGA tournament to Toledo with a celebrity name. He had been to many such as one with Bob Hope.

Jamie Farr , fresh off his famed run on M*A*S*H at the time, and a native Toledoan, came to mind and the rest is history. "Without Jamie I wouldn’t be here!" Silverman said.

Farr’s childhood friend, Don Michel, who owned several area McDonald’s, underwrote the first tournament. The Portland Classic in Oregon and the Dana Open are the last of the 501(c)3 LPGA tournaments. And by Judd’s side through it all has been his wife, Lisa . Silverman also talked about his involvement with bringing the Solheim to Toledo.

The LPGA panel of golfers talked about their careers: Lexi Thompson, defending champion Linn Grant, 2005 champion Heather Bowie Young, and 2024 rookie Auston Kim .

All commented that family and friends are important along with physical and mental health. Thompson, who had her traveling companion, Leo, her dog, with her, said to be true to yourself. And Young quipped: "I love Toledo and I love the Beirut!"

Bravo to the Premier Experience co-chairmen Jean Drees and co-chairman Kara Yokum .

YOUNG professionals from the Toledo Chamber of Commerce EPIC group stopped by the Sylvania Chamber tent on Friday, which was “Lexi Day” honoring Thompson who has announced she was going to retire from the LPGA Tour.

Once the tournament started on Thursday, many folks enjoyed the scene from the Sky Box or the Champions Pavilion where corporate types sipped and nibbled while watching golfers.

The Dana Open is definitely a place to see and be seen, schmooze, and get exercise while strolling the links. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and sun tan lotion if enjoying the final round. And remember, “Quiet Please!” as golfers tee off, drive, and putt.

SO come on out and enjoy the day!