Tulsa LPGA tournament 'close' to deal with sponsor

Thursday, July 24th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- The director of the LPGA Tulsa Championship says the tournament is 'close' to a deal for a new title sponsor for the event.

Joe Berry says a national company with ties to Tulsa wants to be involved, but details are still being worked out.

The first two tournaments were sponsored by Tulsa-based Williams, but the company withdrew as title sponsor earlier this year. Williams is still honoring its financial commitment this year.

This year's event begins September 1st with the three-round tournament starting September 5th.

Annika Sorenstam won last year and plans to return to defend her title.