A Veteran's Continued Pursuit in the CPKC Women's Open

Alena Sharp, at 44 years old, is competing in her 20th CPKC Women’s Open this week. Despite facing challenging seasons in recent years, she remains determined to continue her career on the LPGA Tour. She acknowledges that she considered this year potentially her last, but she is not ready to conclude her time on the tour.

Sharp expressed her desire to improve daily and her enduring love for the game. While the travel aspect has become more tiring, her passion for playing remains strong. She believes she hasn't received any indication that it's time to retire.

Sharp's debut at the Women's Open occurred 21 years ago. She recalls playing a practice round with Juli Inkster and alongside Gail Graham. She recently participated in an Epson Tour event that included senior tour players, where she again played with Juli Inkster and saw Gail Graham. She observed that these players seemed to be enjoying the game, with a less competitive atmosphere and a shorter course.

Sharp acknowledges that being surrounded by younger players on the LPGA Tour sometimes highlights the length of her career. This year's national open features a strong Canadian presence, with 16 players in the field, including 10 amateurs. Sixteen-year-old Anna Huang will be playing alongside Sharp. Savannah Grewal, ranked as the second-highest Canadian on the LPGA Tour this season, expressed her appreciation for the support from Golf Canada and her excitement about the rising talent in Canadian golf. She anticipates a bright future for Canadian players on the LPGA.

Lauren Kim, Aphrodite Deng, Vanessa Borovilos, Michelle Xing, Joline Truong, Tillie Claggett, Katie Cranston, Ruihan Wang, and Celina Yeo.