Take Your Pick - Champions or Ladies?

The great state of Michigan is struggling in a mighty way these days. Keeping businesses and entire industries from nailing plywood over the doors and going away forever is becoming more difficult, and in many cases, a losing battle. The headlines every day are filled with the sort of news none of us enjoys reading.

But what if things were different? What if economic news was bright and cheery? What if layoffs and closures were not a concern? What if we no longer feared the 2009 Buick Open would be the final chapter in that wonderful annual event...and instead were looking to add another professional Tour stop to the summer schedule?

There was a time not so long ago that the PGA Tour, the LPGA, and the Champions Tour all held a place on the competition calendar in Michigan. The PGA was the anchor event with the Buick Open. The Champions made an annual appearance in both Grand Rapids and Dearborn. The ladies came to the state capitol for the Oldsmobile Classic.

So the question of the day is this: if you were put in charge of resurrecting one of the events, which would you choose? Champions or LPGA?

Which is the hotter commodity these days?
Which would draw more support from sponsors and fans?

Before you reflexively answer "Gulbis! Wie! Bring in the ladies!" keep in mind that some of the "rookies" on the Champions Tour are household names in golf and still in prime competitive form.

There's a strong case to be made for the drawing power of both tours...so which way would you go?

We'll share your responses on MGL Radio next week, so put on your commissioner's hat and make your case!