2024 Four Winds Invitational tees off Friday

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- The road to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) comes through South Bend. The thirteenth annual Four Winds Invitational teed off Friday with 132 golfers from around the world.

"Some of the best players in the world play your golf course," said Greg Helmkamp, general manager and head golf professional at the South Bend Country Club, the tournament's venue.

Erica Shepherd was one of three Hoosier golfers that teed off at the course.

"I just love the way Indiana golf courses are built, the way they're set up, the grass, everything," said Shepherd. "So, I'm just excited to be here to play in Indiana on this tour is always nice."

Volunteer Paul Borowski looks forward to the 54-hole golf tourney each year.

"It's so much fun to watch these girls play as good as they are, as young as they are," Borowski said. "I love golf, so this isn't volunteering, this is great."

The athletes are competing for a spot on the LPGA tour.

"The top 15 will get full status onto the LPGA tour next year," Helmkamp said. "So, a lot on the line for these girls, they're playing for a little bit of money in these events, but the ultimate goal is to make it to the next level and make it on the LPGA tour."

The Four Winds Invitational is one of the last legs of the season for the Epson tour.

"It's nearing the end of the season; I think we're in the last four or five events so this is when it gets really intense. I mean, it's really intense all year but this is where the fields start getting smaller and you have to accumulate so many points to keep your card, keep your job, basically," Shepherd said. "So, it's definitely stressful. But at the same time, we're all just doing what we love so I just feel grateful to have the opportunity."

Beacon Children's Hospital has been the beneficiary every year since the Four Winds Invitational began 13 years ago.

The winner of the tournament will be crowned Sunday evening.