AJGA in Cape

It's been a special week for the area as Cape Girardeau hosted the American Junior Golf Association Rolex Girls Junior Championship.

The tournament, which started Monday and continues through Friday, has featured some of the top young female golfers in the world. In addition to U.S. talent, athletes from China, Japan, Ecuador, Venezuela, Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, South Korea, Canada and Puerto Rico were set to compete.

This isn't the first time for Cape Girardeau and Dalhousie Golf Club to host the tournament. The last time was 2009, which was the third installment in a three-year run.

There are many things to like about this tournament.

First, this is a great economic benefit for the area. In addition to the 72 players, parents and others stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and visit other local businesses.

Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the Southeast Missourian on Wednesday it is projecting an average daily expenditure of $150 per person. According to Martin, this would result in a total economic benefit to the area of about $105,000. He said its economic projections tend to be conservative.

Check out the story in today's paper about the economic benefit of three major summer events, including the golf tournament.

Regardless of the economic boon, this is a chance for local golf enthusiasts and summer-weather fans to watch elite golfers compete. Several who competed in the 2009 tournament have continued their success on the LPGA Tour. The course is open to spectators the next two days, so don't hesitate to attend if you want to be impressed with amazing talent.

Hosting an event of this caliber is a special opportunity to showcase Southeast Missouri, its many amenities and the generous people who live here. More than 350 volunteers were expected to help this week. It's important to have volunteers with an event of this nature, and once again the people of this area have met the challenge.

If you haven't already attended the tournament, we hope you consider doing so. Two days remain, and there is no admission fee to watch.

Hats off to Cape Girardeau, Dalhousie and the AJGA on another successful event, and a big thank-you to all the golfers, parents, organizers and volunteers.