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A lot of golf has been played, titles won and lives lived since the du Maurier Ltd. Classic graced Winnipeg fairways 18 years ago.

Two of the main players in that LPGA championship return to St. Charles Country Club this week for the CN Canadian Women’s Open.

Sherri Steinhauer, the 1992 du Maurier champion, and Juli Inkster, who finished third, highlight the LPGA Tour’s return to the city.

"It was a long time ago but it was (my) first win and I’ll just never forget it," Steinhauer told the Free Press at last week’s Safeway Classic in North Plains, Ore. "I remember the last few holes and I remember the last hole, coming down there with a two-shot lead and I know where I drove it and I know where I hit my second shot.

"I was against Judy Dickinson and I think the greatest part of that win was having my parents there. I’ll never forget it; having them there for that win was really special."

Steinhauer won US$105,000 for that title, the first of her eight LPGA victories.

"I remember quite a bit of it but not all the holes," Steinhauer said of St. Charles. "Good course. Lot of trees. I don’t remember the greens being real big but being in good shape."

The native of Madison, Wis., was made an honorary St. Charles member after the victory.

"I’m anxious to go back," he said. "I still get the quarterly newsletter from St. Charles. That’s really special to me."

Also special to Steinhauer is that she’s back playing this season.

Barely able to walk by the 2008 Canadian Open, she opted for hip surgeries in February and May of last year.

"It took a long time to come back," said Steinhauer, who, at 47, has played reasonably well this season, including Sunday’s finish at the Safeway, where she tied for 28th. "I didn’t play golf for 14 months.

"A year off and I didn’t know if I could be back playing, but I am and I’m thrilled to be here. I’d say I’m maybe 80 per cent today but this is a lot of fun going back to Winnipeg."

Inkster, who shot 68 on the final day of the du Maurier to finish third, three shots back, has also lived a lot of life since then.

She’s been inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, become a huge hockey fan and more dubiously, was disqualified from last week’s Safeway as she surged into contention on Saturday.

"I remember one of the par-5s and that it’s very tree-lined," Inkster said before last week’s Safeway began. "Lots has happened since then."

With 31 victories and now past her 50th birthday, why is Inkster still playing regularly?

"Because I love to play golf," she said. "We have a seniors tour that plays four or five tournaments. But I like to play a lot. In order for me to play a lot, I need to play out here and I like it. I like the kids. This has changed a lot but it’s still fun.

"I just play my game. I know I’m never going to hit it as long as they hit it. The bottom line is the putter. You just have to make putts."

Inkster will find herself at home among hockey fans this week in Winnipeg. She shares a season ticket to the San Jose Sharks and goes to about 20 games a year.

So what’s up with the Sharks?

"It’s a good question," Inkster said. "They’re a little soft. But you know what, I think it’s like golf. They’re learning how to win. This last playoffs, they were a lot better. I just think the best team (Chicago) won.

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"It’s like winning golf tournament, a major. You just need everything to roll right. Their goaltending hasn’t been real sharp in the playoffs but change is coming there."

Along with Steinhauer and Inkster, there will be five and possibly six 1992 du Maurier competitors playing at this week’s Open.

Laura Davies (tied-20th), Helen Alfredsson (T-28) and Canadian Lorie Kane (who missed the cut as an amateur) are also entered. Kris Tschetter (MC) could be the sixth if she gets into the tournament as the third alternate.

tim.campbell@freepress.mb.ca

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