Farr Classic back on TV

1/19/2001
BY DAVE HACKENBERG
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

This summer's Jamie Farr Kroger Classic will return to national television for the first time in three years, tournament director Judd Silverman said yesterday.

The Farr Classic, presented by Alltel, will be part of a 12-tournament State Farm LPGA Series.

Coverage will be split between ESPN2 - the Friday and Saturday rounds, July 6 and 7 - and ESPN, which will air the final round from 4-6 p.m. on July 8. The event's opening round on July 5 will not be televised.

“In addition to raising money for local children's charities, one of our other main goals is to promote a positive image for northwest Ohio,” Silverman said. “National television exposure certainly allows us the opportunity to do that.”

As part of the return for the Farr's $225,000 investment in the State Farm Series, the tournament will receive a total of 30 commercial units. Silverman said he and his staff will pursue local sponsors interested in purchasing commercial air time to help defray the Farr's cost of televising the event.

Anika Sorenstam is the defending champion, and total prize money will be $1 million.