“Rather than postpone the inevitable, it was best to be fiscally responsible and good stewards of the money we have left."

Dave Kane's story on the end of Springfield's 36-year LPGA Tour run explains why the event is shutting its dissolve after a 10-month sponsor search. Including this:

Kate Peters, the tournament’s executive director the past five years, said the Classic had exhausted its options — local, statewide and national — in looking for a sponsor. Given the situation, she said it was best to end the tournament now and still have money to donate to designated charities.

“Rather than postpone the inevitable, it was best to be fiscally responsible and good stewards of the money we have left,’’ Peters said. “We just don’t have any revenue coming in, so we need to move forward.

“We talked to everybody (potential sponsors). But with the economy, it’s a crummy time right now. There are a lot of people out there who’d definitely do it if they had the resources.’’

There was also this, which, if nothing else provides a nice contrast for Mike Whan with his predecessor.

“I had the commissioner come in (to Springfield) last week to meet with a couple of (potential sponsors),’’ said Peters, referring to LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “He did a great job and really went to bat for us. Unfortunately, it didn't work out like we hoped.

“(Whan) was more than willing to help us out. But at some point, you have to make tough choices.’’

During this year's tournament, Whan raised the possibility of a one-year hiatus until another sponsor was found. But Peters later ruled that out because the local organization could not stay afloat financially that long.