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Pro golf tournament at IMS to highlight women in tech. industry

SPEEDWAY,Ind. (WISH) – Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard estimates an LPGA Tournament at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will generate millions for the local economy, but he’s more excited about the impact the event could have on young students.

LPGA leaders announced plans to hold the Indy Women in Tech Championship next September at the Brickyard Crossings golf course.

The tournament is sponsored by a tech company called Guggenheim. Organizers plan to use the tournament to raise awareness and money for programs that help women enter the tech industry. The program’s focus is on robotics, tech education and career transitioning for people re-entering the workforce.

LPGA leaders said Ballard helped bring the tournament to Indianapolis.

“The fans come in and spend money and stay in the hotels, and that is terrific, but the larger picture really is: how can we get young girls and young women to move into tech and see it as a viable career option?” Ballard said.

Indy native and LPGA pro Danah Bornder said, as a mother of two girls, she supports the efforts.

She’s also excited to compete at a course she’s known most of her life. The IU graduate practiced on the course Tuesday.

“I’m so excited that the LPGA is coming back to Indianapolis, “Bordner said.  “Just the nostalgia of it all. You have this track around you. The pagoda. There’s so much history here.”

Bordner plans to compete with 143 other women for a $2 million dollar purse Sept. 7 to Sept. 10.

Ballard said the event will generate at least “a few million” for the local economy.

The last time IMS hosted an LPGA tournament: 1968 for the 500 Ladies Classic.