ANA Inspiration begins with larger crowd
During day one of the ANA Inspiration the best female golfers in the world put on a show on the fairways and greens in Rancho Mirage.
It’s the first time the tournament at Mission Hills Country Club is sponsored by All Nippon Airways. The new look and name seemed to energize the crowds.
“We look forward to it every spring,” said spectator Elsie Sjodin.
The first LPGA Major of the year officially teed off Thursday morning.
“That is amazing that I can just watch them up close. It’s really different from TV,” said aspiring golfer Kathleen Keomahavong.
“A lot of fan interaction, really close access to golf. The players are super friendly, some of the biggest names in golf. You can get their autograph you can follow them around,” said Tournament Director Gabe Codding.
The four-day ANA Inspiration is not just a local draw. We found spectators from Missouri, Arizona, even as far away as South Korea — a country with several top players in the tournament.
“It’s wonderful, just love it, it’s a great course,” said Jerry Reid, who is visiting from Kansas City.
Fans did notice the change in sponsor.
“I’m not going to have any pudding. I miss the pudding from the Kraft,” said Sjodin.
“I can see little slight differences and I think they are really good,” said Earleen Chandler.
In addition to the trophy, this year’s champion will get a one-of-a-kind robe after jumping into Poppie’s Pond.
“It’s one little thing, but I have a feeling there is going to be a lot of things coming up,” said Chandler.
Tournament goers can take a break from the heat and check out ANA’s airline seats that completely recline into a bed.
An in-flight magazine and movies on flights will feature the tournament with the hope of attracting even more people. So far this year, advanced ticket sales are up 10 percent.
“There is like a million things going on. Almost all of us that live here have friends staying with us and our houses become party central and there is always stuff going on of course in town,” said spectator Jana Ransom.
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is one them of the other events going on. The celebration, billed as the world’s largest lesbian event, runs through Sunday. Meghan Trainor is this year’s headliner.
