General Casualty Insurance Companies is proud to partner with professional golfer and 2003 U.S. Women’s Open champion Hilary Lunke this season. The Edina, Minn., native will attempt to reclaim her title at the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open June 20-26 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo.
“I really appreciate General Casualty’s support in my drive to be a top professional golfer,” said Lunke. “My father has had a strong business partnership with General Casualty for nearly 20 years. I look forward to carrying on that tradition.”
Formerly Hilary Homeyer, she credits her father Bill as the biggest influence on her golf career. As a child, she caddied for Homeyer on weekends to make extra money. Since semi-retiring from his insurance career at Harris-Homeyer Co. in Edina, Homeyer now caddies for his daughter.
“We’re happy to support an outstanding golfer like Hilary,” said Pete McPartland, president and CEO at General Casualty. “She’s proven she can succeed on the LPGA tour and we believe she has the potential for plenty more championship performances in the future.”
Lunke won her first pro title at the 2003 U.S. Women’s Open. A fresh face on the LPGA circuit, she competed in her first U.S. Open as a pro. Lunke sank a 15-foot birdie to end a three-way playoff and capture her first career LPGA championship in dramatic fashion.
With the win, she became the first player since Annika Sorenstam (1995) to notch her inaugural LPGA victory at the U.S. Women’s Open and at age 24 was the youngest American to win a major championship in 16 years. Lunke, who didn’t begin golfing until she was 13, was a four-time All-American at Stanford University and qualified for the pro circuit in 2002.
This season Lunke is averaging 74.76 strokes through 33 rounds. She has competed in 11 events, earning $35,847 in prize money.
For more information please contact Anne M. Smith.