Star-studded Vic Open taking next step toward equal pay for women

The ISPS Handa Vic Open is getting some added star power to support its noble idea this year.

Former world No. 1s Stacy Lewis, Cristie Kerr, Inbee Park and So Yeon Ryu are early commitments to the Australian event, joining Aussies Karrie Webb and Geoff Ogilvy as returning supporters.

Australian Hannah Green, now a major champion, is also returning.

A credit to Aussie imagination and audacity, the Vic Open was added to the LPGA schedule for the first time last year. While it may have been the LPGA’s smallest purse ($1.1 million), it was the tour’s biggest idea. Once again, male and female pros will tee it up at 13th Beach Golf Links in Victoria and play the same courses at the same time for the…