LPGA

LPGA Pro-Am Open To The PUblic

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LPGA Pro-Am Open to the public 

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., February 25, 2019 – Kingsmill Resort, home to the Pure Silk Championship and the famed River Course is teeing up two golf experiences you don’t want to miss during this year’s tournament, May 20-26, 2019. It’s two opportunities on Monday and Wednesday, where players of all handicaps are welcomed and can make their own history alongside LPGA pros, plus gain insider tips from the pro and how they plan to conquer the course. It’s a scramble format, so there’s no pressure, just fun!

The excitement starts with a player’s reception, so participants will get a chance to meet all the pros in attendance, and after the Pro-Am, they can stick around to enjoy clubhouse tickets and catch all the action during the Pure Silk Championship.

Check out the package details below.

Monday, May 20, Pro-Am Package

One playing spot in the Monday Pro-Am with one LPGA Tour player

  • Players’ Reception after the Pro-Am with LPGA professionals in attendance
  • Accommodations in a resort guest room on Sunday, May 19th
  • Onsite practice round at Kingsmill on Sunday, May 19th (Tee times to be determined)
  • Pro-Am Participant Badge and one Guest Badge (Weekly access to the tournament, Wednesday – Sunday, for Clubhouse and Grounds)• Eight Single Day Clubhouse Tickets
  • One preferred parking pass, valid Monday – Wednesday• Exclusive tournament gift package
  • Autographed team photo

Wednesday, May 22, Pro-Am Package

  • One playing spot in the Wednesday Pro-Am with two LPGA Tour players
  • Invitation for one and a guest to the Tuesday evening Pairings Party (May 21st)
  • Pro-Am Participant Badge and one Guest Badge (Weekly access to the tournament, Wednesday – Sunday, for Clubhouse and Grounds)
  • Ten Single Day Clubhouse Tickets
  • One preferred parking pass, valid Monday – Wednesday• An exclusive tournament gift package
  • Autographed team photo

F or more information or to register, contact Kristen Ward, Kristen.ward@kingsmill.com, 757-253-3990. 

About Kingsmill Resort

Kingsmill Resort is Virginia’s Only AAA Four Diamond condominium resort. Located on the James River off I-64 between Richmond and Norfolk the property is within minutes from Williamsburg’s numerous destinations including Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, The College of William & Mary, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

LPGA Foundation Announces 2018 Marilynn Smith Scholarship Recipients

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LPGA Foundation Announces 2018 Marilynn Smith Scholarship Recipients

Scholarships awarded to 30 high-school graduates

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 15, 2018 – The LPGA Foundation announced today the 30 high-school graduates selected to receive this year’s Marilynn Smith Scholarship. Each candidate has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, leadership skills and active involvement and service to her community while also fulfilling specific requirements for each scholarship award.

The Marilynn Smith Scholarship, named in honor of one of the LPGA’s 13 founding members, is awarded to high-school seniors who plan to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. Each of the 2018 recipients will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Abigail Douglas graduated from Lynnwood High School in Bothell, WA, where she was the No. 1 seed and MVP on her varsity golf team for all four years at high school. She was named an All-Conference honorable mention in her 10th-grade year and a 1st team All-Conference selection in 11th grade.

Douglas plans to attend Whitworth University where she is leaning towards majors in accounting, business, marketing or sports management, with the ultimate goal of getting a master’s degree in one of those fields.

Alexis Green graduated summa cum laude from Hoover High School in Canton, OH, where she was captain of the varsity golf team for three years, captain of the varsity basketball team for two years and a member of the Student Council, Leadership Club, Spanish Club and National Honors Society. In her senior year, she was a 1st Team All-League and 1st Team All-County selection.

Green plans to attend Walsh University, where she is leaning towards business, marketing and possibly law.

Ashley Zhu graduated from South Salem High School in Salem, OR, where she was a member of the National French Honor Society and Environmental Club, and also served as vice-president of the National Honor Society. She captained the varsity golf team, played on the 2017 Girls’ Junior Americas Cup Team and was a three-time selection for the All-State First Team.

Zhu will be attending Oregon Institute of Technology, where she plans to pursue a dual major in environmental and renewable energy engineering. Beyond that, she has a career goal of improving methods of energy usage while mitigating issues associated with non-renewable resources.

Avery Pool graduated from Caledonia High School in Caledonia, MS. She was the number one player on her varsity golf team for four years, earning Mississippi State Game player of the year honors in 2016 and 2017. She was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, vice-president of the Future Business Leaders of America and a member of the Anchor Club and National Honors Society.

Pool will attend University of Montevallo, where she would like to major in nutrition and dietetics before obtaining her masters in sports nutrition.

Bailey Hubbard graduated from Clay County High School in Manchester, KY, where she was captain of the varsity golf team, a member of the Student Advisory Council, a team leader with Tiger Vision and a social ambassador for American Red Cross. A recipient of the Governor’s Scholars Program in 2017, she was an All-Region Golf Team Honoree and an All-State Golf Team Honoree in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Hubbard will be attending Eastern Kentucky University where she plans to major in biology before going on to dental school at either the University of Kentucky or University of Louisville.

Blakely Arp graduated from LaGrange High School in LaGrange, GA, where she played on the varsity golf team for all four years and was captain for three. She was a member of the Student Council, the Service Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Foreign Language Club.

Arp will attend Point University, where she plans to earn a degree in management. From there, she would like to work in the fashion industry and eventually establish her own boutique.

Elaena Steffen graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in Tecumseh, KS, where she was on the varsity golf team for all four years, won the MVP award in 2015 and earned the “Coaches Choice” award in 2016. She was a Kansas Honor Scholar, an Academic Letter Winner from 2014-2018 and made the All A’s Honor Roll from 2014-2018.

Steffen will attend Baker University on an engineering program and plans to graduate with a degree in physics. Her goal after that is to obtain a mechanical engineering degree from either Kansas State University or Kansas University, and then design items which can improve people’s lives.

Emma Germann graduated from Watseka Community High School in Watseka, IL. She played on the Lady Warriors varsity golf team for all four years, was a varsity letterman from 2014-2018 and the team’s MVP in 2017. A QuestBridge National College Prep Scholar, she was the first chair alto saxophone and a soloist on her school’s concert band and the lead tenor and soloist on the jazz band.

Germann will attend Elmhurst College in the fall and plans to major in music education. She hopes to have a successful career as a public school music teacher in Illinois, and lead her own concert band. She would also like to serve as the coach on a high school golf team.

Faith Hopkins graduated from Bartlesville High School in Bartlesville, OK, where she was a four-year letterman on the varsity golf team, served on the Bartlesville Leadership Class and was captain of the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. She was a Special Olympics Coach at local and state level in 2017 and a member of the National Honor Society from 2016-2018.

Hopkins will be attending Oklahoma State University and plans to major in business and entrepreneurship. Her long-term goal is to open her own school and academy focused on education and golf.

Jenally Nolan graduated from Farragut High School in Knoxville, TN. A member of the Future Business Leaders of America and the National Honors Society, she was president of the French Club and vice-president of the French Honor Society. She was an AP Scholar with Distinction, competed on the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour for four years and was the Farragut High School Golf Lady Admiral Scholar of the Year in 2017.

Nolan will be attending Centre College, where she plans to major in English and economics with a possible minor in French. Post-graduation, she hopes to intern with the Disney College Program. Long-term, she would like to publish children’s and young adult literature.

Josie Patterson graduated from Chandler High School in Chandler, OK, where she was captain of both the golf and basketball teams. President of the Business Professionals of America, she was a member of the National Honor Society and qualified for the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for all four years.

Patterson will attend Oklahoma Baptist University where she plans to obtain a degree in biology. After that, she would like to attend Oklahoma State University and become a veterinarian with the ultimate goal of going on to establish her own practice.

Kate Owens graduated from Lambert High School in Suwanee, GA, where she played on the varsity golf team from 2014-2018 and was a member of the National Honors Society and National Technical Honors Society. Environmental Science Student of the Year in 2016 and 2017, she was the 2016 women’s golf player of the year and the women’s golf scholar athlete in both 2016 and 2017.

Owens will be attending James Madison University, where she has been accepted in to the Honors College and will pursue a degree in engineering and mathematics. Long-term, she would like to carve out a career in design with a focus on golf equipment.

Kendel Abrams graduated from Susquehannock High School in Glen Rock, PA, where she captained the varsity golf team, was a representative on the Principal Advisory Board and a member of the National Honor Society. She earned the Distinguished Honor Roll from 2014-2018 and the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award in 2017, and she was voted the Girl’s Golf Player of the Year in 2017.

Abrams will attend Converse College, where she plans to play on the women’s golf team and obtain a business degree. Long-term, she would like to compete on the LPGA Tour, start her own business and help junior golfers learn how to play the game.

Leila Dizon graduated from Marlborough School in Los Angeles where she co-captain of the varsity golf team in her senior year, a Cum Laude Society member and a winner of the Princeton Book award. She was also a four-time MVP on the varsity golf team and placed second in the Big I National Championship 2016 where she represented California.

Dizon will attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Undergraduate Program with the hope of earning an MBA to become an influential female leader who will be able to inspire positive change in the business world.

Mateya Peters graduated from Griswold High School in Griswold, IA, where she was a talented all-round athlete who captained the varsity golf, volleyball, basketball, softball and track teams. She was also president of the Student Council and the National Honor Society. In varsity golf, she made the All-District team in 2016 and 2017, the All-Conference team in 2017 and was a two-time state qualifier.

Peters will attend Midland University where she plans to major in nursing with the longer-term objective of becoming a nurse practitioner. Beyond that, she has hopes of starting a non-profit organization that will help provide free medical care in various parts of the world for people in need.

Megan Whittaker graduated from Elkhorn South High School in Omaha, NE, where she captained the varsity golf team and also the track and field team. She became Nebraska Junior Girls Match Play Champion in 2016 and was runner-up in the Nebraska Junior Girls Amateur in 2017. A member of the National Honors Society, she was a junior class officer and a senior class officer for Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Whittaker will be attending the University of Nebraska, where she hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business before one day establishing her own business.

Meryl Castle graduated from Wilson Central High School in Lebanon, TN, where she was a member of the Student Council, the BETA Club, the National Honors Society and the Spanish Club. She led her varsity golf team to an undefeated season in 2016, making both the District and All-District teams that year. Competing as the top player on her team, she won nine of 12 matches in 2016 and 2017.

Castle will be attending Milligan College where she plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in either science and nursing or as a physician assistant. Her career goal is to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Mia Kurkechian graduated from Naperville Central High School in Naperville, IL, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Finalist. In her junior year, she was selected as a leader for Link Crew, the school’s freshman mentoring program. She was co-captain of the varsity golf team, was selected as an All-Conference honorable mention and competed in conference, regional and sectional tournaments.

Kurkechian will be attending Calvin College where she will pursue a career as a special education teacher, with the ultimate objective of making a difference in the lives of her future students.

Olivia Cunningham graduated from Father Ryan High School in Nashville, TN, where she was highly involved in academics and extra-curricular activities. She was a varsity golf team member all four years, a member of the National Honor Society and Latin Club, a peer mentor and student ambassador.

Cunningham will be attending Tusculum College, majoring in nursing. Her goal is to become a registered nurse and pursue a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner or CRNA to help others and improve society.

Olivia Whitten graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School in Palm Coast, FL, where she was Player of the Year all four years and captain of her golf team, a member of the National Honor Society and a candidate of the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, in addition to being drum major in the Marching Band and first chair in the Symphonic Band.

Whitten will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as an aviation business administration major and has set her sights on working for The Boeing Company at some point in the future.

Rachel Oh graduated from La Canada High School in Flintridge, CA, where she was captain of the golf team, player of the year and most valuable player in both her freshman and sophomore years, secretary of the Korean National Honor Society and president of the Technology Help Club.

Oh will attend UC Davis as a member of the golf team and major in biological sciences. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field and also develop her passion for helping others.

Rachel Rudd graduated from Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, FL, where she was a varsity golfer (four years), a tennis player (three years) and softball player (one year). She was also a Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps academic commander, color guard commander and class leader.

Rudd will be attending Faulkner University in the fall. Her goal is to major in criminal justice with minors in Spanish and psychology while pursuing her LPGA Tour card. She hopes to become a criminal behavior analyst.

Sarah Hinton graduated from Elizabethtown High School in Elizabethtown, KY, where she was on the varsity golf team and a regional champion as Golf House Kentucky Girls Player of the Year, Kentucky Junior Amateur Girls Champion and Kentucky PGA Junior Tour Champion.

Hinton will attend Lipscomb University, playing on the golf team and pursuing her bachelor’s degree to work with children as an elementary school teacher.

Sarah Willis graduated from Eaton High School in Eaton, OH, where she was a varsity letterman and a student leader. She was on the EHS boys golf team and served as captain in both her junior and senior years while setting Ohio High School State Championship 18-hole (2017) and 36-hole (2016) scoring records. She was also a student council class officer throughout her high school career.

Willis will be attending Penn State University in the Smeal College of Business. Her goal is to apply her competitive background in the business field and become a mergers and acquisitions consultant.

Sierra O’Keefe graduated from Notre Dame Catholic High School in Fairfield, CT, where she was vice-president of her senior class, captain of the girls’ golf and ice hockey teams and a member of the All-Academic Team.

O’Keefe will head to Assumption College in Worcester, MA. Her career ambition is to become a doctor and help those in need.

Skylar Thompson graduated from Georgia Connections Academy in Duluth, GA, where she was on the honor roll, served as chapter president of the National Honor Society and was a member of the National England and Science Honor Societies.

Thompson will be attending University of South Carolina as a member of the golf team and majoring in environment science. It is her goal to play golf professionally or attend law school with a focus in environmental law.

Sophia Koester graduated from Grandview Heights High School in Columbus, OH, where she was one of the first students to play on the girls’ golf team and served as captain of the Varsity team in both her junior and senior year. She was a member of the National Honors Society and chapter president of Best Buddies.

Koester will be attending Suffolk University in Boston, MA, where she plans to study film and media a she pursues her passion for film making and photography.

Sydney Regalado graduated from Rosemount High School in Rosemount, MN, where she was a Triple A Award winner (Academics, Athletics and the Arts). She was named an Academic All-Conference athlete and Outstanding Academic Athlete as a member of the cross country team. She also made the All-Conference team for golf.

Regalado will be attending Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. Her goal is to major in biochemistry and molecular biology and begin her medical career path.

Thomaphorn Supakit graduated from Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in Granada Hills, CA, where she was captain of her school’s golf team. She was involved in Key Club and volunteered in several community service programs in her local community.

Supakit will be attending California State University Maritime Academy. She plans to major in business administration or international business and then serve in the United States Navy for several years.

Vreni Todd graduated from Snohomish High School in WA, where she was a founding member of the Science Club, a National Honor Society member, a four-year varsity golfer and team captain, the 2017 district golf champion, player of the year and received the Joan Teats Inspirational Award. She also volunteered for the Social Science Club Outreach Program and Math Club.

Todd will attend Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, where she plans to study computer science or environmental studies. Her goal is to continue her education with a master’s degree in her field of study.

About The LPGA Foundation

Established in 1991, The LPGA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental and humanitarian golf initiatives.

Key priorities include: LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, The LPGA Leadership Academy, scholarships and the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative for those in the golf industry who are experiencing severe hardship. The LPGA Foundation is supported by corporate and private donations, foundation grants and contributions from LPGA members. For more information on how to contribute to The LPGA Foundation, please contact LPGA Headquarters, 100 International Golf Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32124, or by phone, +1 386-274-6200 and on the web: https://lpgafoundation.org/donate.

 

LPGA International’s Acclaimed Jones Course Completes Greens Renovation Project

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LPGA International’s Acclaimed Jones Course Completes Greens Renovation Project

Former Host of LPGA Season-Ending Championship Installed New TifEagle Putting Surfaces

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — LPGA International’s acclaimed Jones Course reopened on schedule Wednesday, September 27 following a summer greens renovation project, welcoming golfers back with pristine conditions and smooth, fast putting surfaces.

After extensive research, LPGA International installed TifEagle Bermuda, one of the newer strains of ultradwarf grass that will ensure golfers enjoy a premium putting surface throughout the year. The greens were also restored to their original size.

“The renovation went perfectly, and we can’t wait to welcome golfers back this fall,” said Michael Glenn, LPGA International’s general manager. “Players will find the greens are smooth and fast, and the course, from tee to green, is in superb condition.”

The Jones Course hosted the LPGA’s Sprint Titleholders Championship from 1996 through 1998, and World Golf Hall of Fame member Karrie Webb was one of the winners. The layout will host the final stage of the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament Nov. 27 – Dec. 3, and the Symetra Tour Championship Oct. 5-8.

A links style design, the Jones Course has five sets of tees that stretch from 5,131 yards to 7,088 yards, providing the appropriate level of challenge for players of all skill levels. Strategic mounding, expansive bunkers, natural marsh areas and lakes provide unforgettable visuals and have helped make the course one of Florida’s best.

LPGA International is also home to the highly touted Hills Course, and helps anchor the Daytona Beach golf scene. Daytona Beach is home to more than 20 courses and is an easy drive from multiple PGA Tour stops, making it an ideal destination for golfers in search of good times on and off the course.

With multiple package options, which allow groups the opportunity to bundle golf and accommodations, and the lure of the World’s Most Famous Beach, Daytona Beach is a fast-emerging golf destination.

For more information, go to www.DaytonaBeach.golf.

Kingsmill Championship Will Continue through 2020

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., August 29, 2017 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Kingsmill Resort announced today a contract extension for the Kingsmill Championship on Tuesday. Kingsmill Resort, which has held the Kingsmill Championship tournament annually since 2003, will renew its title sponsorship for an additional three years (2018-2020).

“We are thrilled Kingsmill Resort has extended our long-term partnership as it ensures that we will continue the rich tradition of showcasing the best golfers in the world, at one of the very best resorts in the world,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan.

“Everything at Kingsmill is first class –– from the beautiful resort, to the championship River Course, to the incredible volunteers, to the way they treat players and fans alike.”
The contract extension allows the LPGA to continue to add to the list of past Kingsmill Championship winners, which includes the likes of LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famers Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb.

“Kingsmill Resort is honored and incredibly excited to once again partner with the LPGA LPGA Tour as we announce the extension of a 35-year-old tradition of professional golf being played at Kingsmill Resort,” Kingsmill Resort’s Chief Operations Officer John Hilker said. “On behalf of our staff and the thousands of volunteers who make the Kingsmill Championship possible, we look forward to working within the Hampton Roads community to provide individuals, families and juniors an opportunity to create and share lifelong memories surrounding the game of golf.”

At the 2017 Kingsmill Championship, current World No. 2 Lexi Thompson famously skydived into her pro-am tee time and then went on to set a tournament scoring record and capture her eighth career win on the LPGA Tour. Thompson was thrilled to hear the LPGA is continuing its annual stop in Williamsburg, saying, “I’m excited to hear that the LPGA will continue to have the Kingsmill Championship. It’s always been one of my favorite stops on Tour with some of the best fans. I can’t wait to return to the Kingsmill Resort next year to defend my title.”

LPGA Tour players consistently rave about the Kingsmill Resort, especially three-time Kingsmill Championship winner and LPGA Tour veteran Cristie Kerr, who said at this year’s tournament: “I just love the feel of the place. It’s a big golf course. It’s a classic golf course with very good greens. I just love the layout.”

About the LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while the Symetra Tour, the official development and qualifying tour of the LPGA, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. Additionally, LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management.

The LPGA demonstrates its dedication to the development of the game through The LPGA Foundation. Since 1991, this charitable organization has been committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental and humanitarian golf initiatives, such as LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.

Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via
www.LPGA.com. Join the social conversation at www.facebook.com/lpga, www.twitter.com/lpga and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo, and on Instagram and Snapchat at @lpga_tour.

Sandra Palmer, Nancy Scranton To Be Inducted into Legends Hall of Fame at French Lick Resort

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Sandra Palmer, Nancy Scranton To Be Inducted into Legends Hall of Fame at French Lick Resort

Induction will be held in conjunction with the Senior LPGA Championship presented by Old National Bank

FRENCH LICK, IND.  – LPGA veterans Sandra Palmer and Nancy Scranton will become the newest inductees into the Legends Hall of Fame.

Palmer, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and Scranton, a native of Centralia, Ill., will be inducted on Saturday, July 8, into the Legends Hall of Fame — a permanent exhibit featured at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind.

The induction will be held in conjunction with the Senior LPGA Championship presented by Old National Bank, set for July 10-12, at French Lick Resort. This year’s event will be sanctioned by the LPGA as a senior LPGA major championship and will feature many members of The Legends Tour.

“I was speechless – really stunned, but deeply honored to learn that I will be a part of the Legends Hall of Fame,” said Palmer, who now lives in Long Beach, Calif.

“I feel very honored to be recognized in this way by The Legends Tour and by French Lick Resort,” added Scranton, who now lives in St. Augustine, Fla.

“It has been such a blessing to be a part of this great group of women and French Lick Resort has not only hosted The Legends Tour Championship for the past four years, but it also created a home to showcase the best women golfers in our history,” Scranton said.

While she is a native Texan, Palmer grew up and played junior golf in Bangor, Maine. She attended North Texas State University, where she was runner-up in the 1961 National Collegiate Championship. She was also a four-time winner of the West Texas Amateur and won the 1963 Texas State Women’s Amateur Championship.

Palmer turned professional and became an LPGA Tour member in 1964. She went on to win 19 professional events, including major championships at the 1972 Titleholders Championship and 1975 U.S. Women’s Open.

Palmer also was the LPGA’s top money winner and Player of the Year in 1975, and she finished in the top 10 on the LPGA’s season money list from 1968-1977. She played in her last LPGA Tour event in 1997.

Palmer was inducted into the Texas State Golf Hall of Fame in 1985, as well as into the National Collegiate Hall of Fame in 1988.

She is a Class A LPGA Teaching Professional and has been recognized as one of the nation’s top-50 LPGA teachers. Palmer currently is the director of women’s golf at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, Calif.

In addition, Palmer has played in more than 30 Legends Tour tournaments and routinely still competes in the Legends Honors Division for players age 63 and over.

“It’s wonderful that the Legends Hall of Fame has a home and that a competition for senior women professionals has a worthy stage,” said Palmer. “French Lick definitely brings out the best in your game.”

As an amateur, Scranton won the 1981-1982 St. Louis Metro Championship, the Southern Illinois Championship (1979, 1982-83) and the 1983 Illinois Women’s State Championship.

Collegiately, Scranton attended both Florida State University and the University of Kentucky, where she registered three top-five finishes, including two collegiate tournament wins. Scranton was named to the 1983 All-Southeastern Conference list.

The Illinois native qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt and was a rookie in 1985. She went on to win three LPGA tournaments, including one major championship – the 1991 du Maurier Classic. In addition, she was a member of the 2000 U.S. Solheim Cup Team

After giving birth to twins Libby Jane and Luke Scranton in 2004, Scranton began competing on The Legends Tour, where she has won five times and posted 16 top-10 finishes.

Scranton has also been a stalwart on The Legends Tour’s Team USA for its ISPS Handa Cup competitions, on which she has contributed 19 points and compiled an 8-6-3 match record in the team matches event.

With their induction this summer, Scranton and Palmer will become the ninth and tenth members of the Legends Hall of Fame.

“I was really caught off guard when I found out about this induction,” added Scranton. “I was out of the country visiting my sister and her family in Italy, so it was fun to get to celebrate the news with her.”

Annual inductions include one active member of The Legends Tour who is still regularly competing in official Legends Tour events and one semi-retired Legends Tour member who has made a significant impact on the game during her LPGA and Legends Tour careers.

Palmer and Scranton will join Legends Tour Hall of Fame members Sandra Haynie and Elaine Crosby (inducted in 2016), JoAnne Carner and Rosie Jones (2015), Nancy Lopez and Jane Blalock (2014), and Jan Stephenson and Kathy Whitworth (2013).

For more information about The Legends Tour, visit www.thelegendstour.com.

About The Legends Tour
The Legends Tour is the official senior tour of the LPGA. The tour began in 2000 by LPGA professionals to showcase the talents of some of the greatest women’s golfers of all time. The Legends Tour has more than 120 members, including 14 LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame members. Legends Tour players have over 750 combined LPGA Tour victories, including 84 major championships. In its 15 seasons, The Legends Tour has awarded more than $13 million in prize money and helped raise over $17 million for charity. The Legends Tour has hosted events in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Japan and Australia. For additional information on The Legends Tour, log on to www.thelegendstour.com.

Global sporting icons touch down at ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference to lift LPGA’S First Major to new heights

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Global sporting icons touch down at ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference to lift LPGA’S First Major to new heights

Celebrated athletes Billie Jean King, Maria Sharapova, Aly Raisman and Lexi Thompson share their inspiring stories to sell-out audience

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA, March 29, 2017 – Some of the world’s most celebrated and inspirational sports stars landed into the second annual ANA Inspiring Women in Sports conference ahead of the LPGA’s first major of the year, the ANA Inspiration.

Amongst the sporting icons tennis legend and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King, former world No. 1 tennis star Maria Sharapova, three-time Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Aly Raisman and ANA Inspiration champion Lexi Thompson briefly traded golf swings for tennis strokes on the 18th hole before sharing their inspiring stories to a sell-out audience at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

The historic golf tournament which was founded by Dinah Shore is credited with providing much early momentum and support to empower women in sport. The tradition of a new conference was added to the tournament week line-up last year and offers a perfect platform to continue breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations with an impact that goes far beyond the game of golf.

Hosted by two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, Julie Foudy, the event saw Paralympic swimmer Victoria Arlen receive the 2017 ANA Inspiration Award.

ANDREA LEE FROM HERMOSA BEACH SECURES FINAL SPOT IN LPGA’s FIRST MAJOR OF 2016 – ANA INSPIRATION

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Andrea Lee - ANA Junior Inspiration

ANDREA LEE FROM HERMOSA BEACH SECURES FINAL SPOT IN LPGA’s FIRST MAJOR OF 2016 – ANA INSPIRATION

 Lee shoots 67 in today’s ANA Junior Inspiration Earning Final Spot in ANA Inspiration Field

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 28, 2016 – Andrea Lee, a 17 year-old from Mira Costa High School in Hermosa Beach, Calif., today secured a coveted invitation to play in golf’s first major of the 2016 season.

 Lee claimed the final place in a field of 115 at this week’s ANA Inspiration after carding an impressive 5-under par, 67, to win the expanded ANA Junior Inspiration by a sizeable 3 shots. Lee will now tee off alongside the best women’s golfers in the world when the tournament begins this Thursday, March 31 in Rancho Mirage.

Describing her sweet victory, winner Andrea Lee said: “As a golfer this has to be one of the best days of my life. I’m just really excited and looking forward to playing in the ANA Inspiration. I have to thank my playing mentor today and legend Pat Bradley. She was kept me calm and taught me to be patient out there, but also kept my confidence high. As I look forward to the ANA Inspiration I’m going to remember every word she said. It worked for me today so hopefully it can throughout the rest of this week. I’ll try to build on the experience I gained last year and give it my best shot.”

After failing to make the cut last year at the ANA Inspiration as an invited amateur, the young star showed outstanding resilience today on her return to Mission Hills Country Club. This time competing on the Palmer Course and against an expanded field of elite juniors, Lee successfully booked her place in the starting field and earned the right to enjoy another golfing experience of a lifetime.

For the first time in the history of the newly-named ANA Junior Inspiration, the field included eight special invitees from across North America. Each of these junior players represented one of All Nippon Airway’s (ANA) gateway cities in North America – Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose, Vancouver, Washington D.C. Historically, the ANA Junior Inspiration consisted of the best young golfers from California, but with the support of ANA, the opportunity to vie for a spot in the LPGA’s most iconic major championship was extended to additional deserving junior golf hopefuls.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andrea to the 2016 ANA Inspiration field,” said Hideki Kunugi, Senior Vice President of the Americas, ANA. “Her performance today amongst a stellar field was inspiring and we wish her the best of luck this week as she continues on her journey of competing at the highest level in golf. It was great to see new faces in the expanded ANA Junior Inspiration field today and we look forward to including more top junior talent from across North America in the future.”

Each group of junior players competing in the ANA Junior Inspiration today was paired with a former ANA Inspiration champion for coaching and mentoring throughout the event. LPGA Hall of Fame legend Pat Bradley had the chance to work closely Lee on the practice range and during Monday’s round providing valuable guidance and inspiration to the next generation of golf stars.

Former champion Bradley, who won the tournament in 1986, turned the clock back 30 years at the scene of her memorable victory to successfully mentor and guide eventual winner Lee around the Palmer Course.

Speaking on her junior’s win, Bradley said: “Wow. I’m so thrilled for Andrea. She’s worked so hard for this and it’s great she has won the right to be in the ANA Inspiration. I’m sure the win feels even sweeter with some of the best juniors invited to play by ANA. It’s a wonderful chance for careers to really take off and reach new heights!”

“I know the past champions are meant to offer advice and ‘inspire’ the junior, but honestly, I’m inspired by this experience, humbled and honored. The standard is so high now and all the juniors hit it so beautifully. I’ll be watching Andrea’s progress through the opening rounds and hopefully she can make it to the weekend and enjoy every moment. ”

Lee’s journey to the ANA Inspiration is just beginning as she has also been invited by ANA to attend the Champions Dinner taking place this evening and the pro-am on Wednesday, March 30. On Thursday, she will tee it up with the best players on the LPGA tour to compete for the title of 2016 ANA Inspiration champion.

ANA, Japan’s leading airline, announced its partnership with the LPGA in 2014 to become both the title sponsor of the first major of the season and the Official Airline of the LPGA. “Inspired Journeys” serves as the spirit of the tournament and ANA looks forward to again reaching a global audience with the ANA Inspiration while maintaining the long-standing traditions of the championship.

For more information about the ANA Inspiration, visit www.anainspiration.com.

Stay in touch on social media, go to facebook.com/ANAinspiration, twitter.com/ANAinspiration or instagram.com/ANAinspiration.

About the ANA Inspiration

The ANA Inspiration is golf’s first major and one of the LPGA Tour’s most prestigious events. Previously known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the tournament was founded in 1972 by David Foster and Dinah Shore and earned the designation as a major championship in 1983. Contested at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., since its inception, the ANA Inspiration holds the distinction of being the second oldest golf tournament continuously held at the same course. For many, the event is most distinguished by one of golf’s most beloved traditions: the champion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond, located adjacent to the 18th green. In 1988, the first champion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond was taken by Amy Alcott, and since has become one of the most anticipated and memorable traditions in golf. For more information on the ANA Inspiration, please visit www.ANAInspiration.com or call 760-834-8872. On social media, visithttps://www.facebook.com/ANAinspiration, www.twitter.com/ANAinspiration or https://instagram.com/anainspiration.

LPGA ANNOUNCES JEJU SAMDASOO AS NEWEST OFFICIAL MARKETING PARTNER

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Inbee SamDaSoo SwingLPGA ANNOUNCES JEJU SAMDASOO AS NEWEST OFFICIAL MARKETING PARTNER

Jeju SamDaSoo to become Official Water of the LPGA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., MARCH 17, 2016 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today that Jeju SamDaSoo, the leading water company in South Korea, has joined the LPGA family as an Official Marketing Partner with the designation as the Official Water of the LPGA.

“I’m proud and happy that SamDaSoo, water from clear and pure island, Jeju, South Korea, is sponsoring the LPGA Tour,” said Young Chul Kim, President of Jeju Province Development Company. “Jeju SamDaSoo is a premium water brand which is the number one water in market share, consumer preference and satisfaction in South Korea. Now, we are pleased the LPGA can enjoy Asia’s beauty and pureness of Jeju Island through SamDaSoo.”

As an official partner of the LPGA, Jeju SamDaSoo will introduce the No. 1 bottled water in Korea to the LPGA Tour. From players and caddies to the fans of the LPGA, all will have access to this great tasting water at designated LPGA events.

“It’s great for the LPGA to add yet another premium market leading brand in SamDaSoo to the roster of marketing partners,” said Sean Pyun, LPGA Managing Director International Business Affairs. “SamDaSoo is the undisputed No. 1 bottled water brand in Korea and Jeju Island, one of new 7 wonders of nature, is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations in Asia attracting over 12 million visitors annually. We look forward to working with Jeju Province Development Company to not only showcase SamDaSoo but also Jeju Island to LPGA fans around the world.”

Jeju SamDaSoo will also headline a “Refreshing Round of the Day” feature on Golf Channel which will highlight a player with a phenomenal round from that day’s telecast.

In addition to the Golf Channel features, Jeju SamDaSoo will have a presence throughout the LPGA season with digital integration on LPGA.com, consumer sampling locations and branding and product placement on-site at designated tournament events.

Jeju SamDaSoo was introduced to the LPGA by Rolex Rankings No. 2 Inbee Park.

“I’m very happy that Samdasoo became official water brand of the LPGA,” Park said. “It is pure, clean and delicious water from Jeju Island from my home country. Hopefully the partnership with LPGA will help SamDaSoo water brand expand globally just like our Tour.”

ABOUT JEJU SPECIAL SELF-GOVERNING PROVINCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation is a local public enterprise whose establishment was fully funded by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in 1995 to effectively promote local businesses towards the betterment of Jeju’s inhabitants.

Through “Jeju SamDaSoo”, our spring water business, “Jeju Gamgyul”, our mandarin orange juice business, and housing and land development businesses, we have contributed to the improvement of local society.

Jeju SamDaSoo, especially, has stoutly maintained the number one spot in its field of business since its market introduction, and has played a pivotal role towards the “1 Trillion Era” goals of the Jeju Water industry by extending its operations into overseas markets which include the U.S., China, and Japan.

ABOUT THE LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via:

www.LPGA.com

www.facebook.com/lpga.official

www.twitter.com/lpga
www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

Female Athletes Take Center Stage at Inaugural ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference

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2016 ANA Inspiration launches with LPGA Stars & Paralympian Jessica Long 2

Female Athletes Take Center Stage at

Inaugural ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference

 

Missy Franklin, Annika Sorenstam, Lindsey Vonn and more
will share stories of inspiration and success

 

Soccer legends and LPGA stars to compete in “rematch” of

United States vs. Japan in FootGolf competition

 

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA, March 9, 2016 – The world’s best golfers will not be the only champion female athletes at this year’s ANA Inspiration, as tournament officials last night announced the first-ever ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference, slated for Tuesday, March 29 at Mission Hills Country Club.

Female sporting icons Missy Franklin, Annika Sorenstam, Lindsey Vonn, Abby Wambach and Kristi Yamaguchi will headline the inaugural conference, which will include a series of panels and discussions about the state of women’s sports, female athletes as role models, using sports as a platform to inspire women of all ages, and what it takes to be a champion. Swimmer Jessica Long will also share her inspiring story of overcoming a double leg amputation at 18 months old to become the one of the most decorated Paralympians in history.

The announcement of groundbreaking new ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference was made at a special launch event held in Beverley Hills attended by defending ANA Inspiration champion Brittany Lincicome alongside LPGA stars Cristie Kerr and Alison Lee, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Julie Foudy and world-class swimmer and 12-time Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long.

Speaking at the launch Gabe Codding, ANA Inspiration tournament director, said: “The ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference is an incredible platform to showcase the stories of the world’s best female athletes and learn from their successes in the Olympics and in life”. “We are so grateful to our partner ANA for sharing in the vision to help tell these inspirational stories amidst the backdrop of the LPGA’s most iconic venue. It will be an absolute thrill to welcome these sports legends to Mission Hills Country Club and watch them interact with the LPGA’s best.”

Arianna Huffington, the co-founder, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, and author of 15 books, will deliver the keynote address on the habits of successful women. Foudy will serve as host and moderator.

Wambach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, will accept the inaugural ANA Inspiration Award, which is given to a female athlete, entrepreneur or philanthropist who, through her effort and determination on or off the playing field, has inspired other women to break barriers and achieve success.

“We are proud to bring together some of the top names in women’s sports for the inaugural ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference,” said Hideki Kunugi, Senior Vice President of the Americas, All Nippon Airways. “One of our goals when announcing our partnership as the Official Airline of the LPGA and title sponsor of the historic ANA Inspiration was to find ways to help inspire future generations of female athletes through elements like this new conference and the expansion of the ANA Junior Inspiration. It is these opportunities that can help inspire future female sports stars in Southern California, across the United States and around the world.”

Produced by IMG, the conference will take place in the all-new ANA Hospitality Pavilion adjacent to the 18th green of the Dinah Shore Tournament Course and Poppie’s Pond. In 1988, three-time ANA Inspiration winner Amy Alcott made the first-ever champion’s leap in Poppie’s Pond, thus inspiring the LPGA’s most recognizable tradition that carries on to today.

LPGA player panelists and additional contributors for the conference will be announced in the coming weeks.

At the conclusion of the ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference, the first-ever ANA FootGolf Challenge will take place on the adjacent Palmer Course at Mission Hills Country Club. American soccer legends Wambach and Foudy will team up with two American LPGA players in a six-hole competition against Japanese National Team legends Ayumi Kaihori and Yayao Kobayashi and two of their Japanese compatriots from the LPGA.

FootGolf, the hybrid sport where soccer meets golf, is played with a regulation soccer ball on shortened golf holes with 21-inch diameter cups cut into the greens. The rules largely correspond with the Rules of Golf. The American FootGolf League (AFGL), which is based in Palm Springs, will oversee the setup of the ANA FootGolf Challenge course and competition.

The conference will take place in advance of the season’s first major where defending champion Brittany Lincicome will seek to become the fourth player in LPGA history to win the ANA Inspiration three times. She will be joined by Rolex No. 1 Lydia Ko, No. 2 Inbee Park, No. 3 and 2014 champion Lexi Thompson, No. 4 and 2011 champion Stacy Lewis and No. 5 Ha Na Jang, a two-time winner on Tour in 2016. The full field for the 2016 ANA Inspiration will be announced on Tuesday, March 22.

Speaking on the new initiatives for 2016 ANA Inspiration defending champion Brittany Lincicome said: “The ANA Inspiration is very special to me. Last year everything felt like it had been upgraded as ANA added lots of touches and went above and beyond for the players. But with the new additions to the tournament line-up this year looks even better. I’m really looking forward to the ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference. When you meet another athlete at the top of their game it gives you cold chills. I’m not sure I’ll know what to say but I can’t wait to meet such inspiring women especially when I’m returning as the defending champion. I know it’s going to be real highlight.

“The ANA Junior Inspiration is incredible. For ANA to invite leading young players from across the country to Mission Hills and be given the chance to tee it up in the first major of the year is amazing. I can’t even imagine the nerves they’ll be feeling but it really is an opportunity of a lifetime! I’ve no doubt it will inspire more young girls into the game.”

 

About the ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference Participants

 

Missy Franklin won five Olympic medals – including four gold medals – at the 2012 London Olympic Games where she also set the world record in the 200-meter backstroke at the age of 17. She opted to forego immediately turning professional, instead joining the women’s swim team at the University of California, Berkeley. She will head to the 2016 Rio Olympics as a professional.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder, president, and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, and author of fifteen books. In May 2005, she launched The Huffington Post, a news and blog site that quickly became one of the most widely-read, linked to, and frequently-cited media brands on the Internet. In 2012, the site won a Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. She has been named to Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people and the Forbes Most Powerful Women list. Originally from Greece, she moved to England when she was 16 and graduated from Cambridge University with an M.A. in economics. At 21, she became president of the famed debating society, the Cambridge Union.

Jessica Long is a world-class swimmer and 12-time Paralympic gold medalist. Born with fibular memimelia, she was adopted from a Russian orphanage at 13 months old and had the lower portion of her legs amputated at 18 months old. She was active in numerous sports growing up, but began swimming competitively at age 10 and made her first international appearance at the 2004 Paralympic  Games in Athens,  Greece. In 2007, at the age of 15, she became the first Paralympian to win the AAU Sullivan Award, given to the nation’s top amateur athlete.

Annika Sorenstam is the greatest female golfer of her generation, and often regarded as the best in history. During her 15-year Hall of Fame career, she re-wrote the LPGA and LET record books, winning countless awards and changed the way golf was played, viewed and covered. She retired from the game in 2008 with 90 worldwide victories including 72 LPGA wins and 10 major championships. A member of the LPGA and World Golf Halls  of Fame, she was an eight-time Rolex LPGA Player of the Year, six-time Vare Trophy winner for lowest scoring average. She has gone on to pursue a successful business career including golf instruction, golf course design, television work and support of the ANNIKA Foundation.

Lindsey Vonn is the most successful female ski racer in the world and one of the most marketable athletes globally. She is the only American to capture downhill gold at the Olympics and the only American woman with four World Cup titles. In addition to her 2010 Olympic golf and super G bronze, she holds five World Championship medals, including double gold in 2009.

Abby Wambach is regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Known in particular for her goal-scoring ability, she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a member of the victorious U.S. Women’s Soccer Team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015. The 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year retired from competitive soccer last year as the all-time leader in international goals with 184.

Kristi Yamaguchi is the winner of the 1992 Winter Olympic gold medal in figure skating. After her Olympic win, Yamaguchi toured with Stars on Ice from 1992 until 2002. She was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1998 and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1999. She was a Goodwill Ambassador at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in 2005 she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. In 1996, Yamaguchi founded the Always Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves underprivileged, disabled and at-risk youth.

 

About the ANA Inspiration

The ANA Inspiration is golf’s first major and one of the LPGA Tour’s most prestigious events. Previously known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the tournament was founded in 1972 by David Foster and Dinah Shore and earned the designation as a major championship in 1983. Contested at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., since its inception, the ANA Inspiration holds the distinction of being the second oldest golf tournament continuously held at the same course. For many, the event is most distinguished by one of golf’s most beloved traditions: the champion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond, located adjacent to the 18th green. In 1988, the first champion’s leap into Poppie’s Pond was taken by Amy Alcott, and since has become one of the most anticipated and memorable traditions in golf. For more information on the ANA Inspiration, please visit www.ANAInspiration.com or call 760-834-8857. On social media, go to https://www.facebook.com/ANAinspiration, www.twitter.com/ANAinspiration or @ANAinspiration on Instagram.

 

Yokohama Tire Corporation Returns as Title Sponsor of LPGA Tournament in Alabama

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Yokohama Tire Corporation Returns as
Title Sponsor of LPGA Tournament in Alabama

Top players expected to play in the 2016 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic, May 5-8 at the RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill in Prattville

SANTA ANA, CA. – (March 9, 2016) – For the third consecutive year, Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) is teeing it up with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in Prattville, Alabama. That’s where the 2016 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic will be held May 5-8 on the Senator Course at Capitol Hill along the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail.

Longtime tournament veteran Kris Tamulis is expected to return to the 2016 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic to defend her championship title, along with top players Stacy Lewis, Ha-Na Jang, Michelle Wie, Cristie Kerr, Yani Tseng, Suzann Pettersen, Ayako Uehara, Brooke Henderson and many others.

The tournament, traditionally held in late summer, has been moved to Mother’s Day weekend to enable LPGA golfers to participate in the Rio Summer Olympics. Currently, nearly half of the potential Olympians for women’s golf (representing 18 countries) are in the 2016 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic field.

“We’re glad the Olympic committee has recognized golf and these tremendous athletes,” said Alan Holtschneider, YTC director of marketing. “The Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic will be a great way for the golfers to prepare for the Olympic Games, which should make for an exciting, competitive environment.”

The 2016 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic will once again benefit, KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all children get the balanced and active play they need to thrive. Proceeds from the tournament will help fund building another new playground for kids, like the one YTC and KaBOOM! built in Southern California in 2015.  

Tournament Information

 Ticket information, Volunteer Opportunities, Media Credentials and more details are available at www.yokohamatirelpgaclassic.com

 Facebook – Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic; Twitter – @YokohamaLPGA and Instagram – #YokohamaLPGA

 Potential Olympians– These 28 Olympic hopefuls (based on today’s International Golf Federation’s Top 60) are in the current Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic field:  Stacy Lewis, Ha-Na Jang, Amy Yang, Sei Young Kim, Brooke M. Henderson, Suzann Pettersen, Cristie Kerr, Anna Nordqvist, Minjee Lee, Pornanong Phatlum, Karrie Webb, Candie Kung, Charley Hull, Carlota Ciganda, Karine Icher, Julieta Granada, Catriona Matthew, Mariajo Uribe, Christel Boeljon, Alena Sharp, Paula Reto, Kelly Tan, Dewi Claire Schreefel, Gulia Sergas, Gaby Lopez, Laetitia Beck, Giulia Molinaro and Alejandra Llaneza. The Olympic ranking changes each week and will be finalized in July, two months after our event.  

 Other High Profile Players in the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic Field: Brittany Lincicome, Na Yeon Choi, Chella Choi, Natalie Gulbis, Christina Kim, Belen Mozo, Ai Miyazato, Se Ri Pak, Sadena Parks, Morgan Pressel, Beatriz Recari, So Yeon Ryu, Yani Tseng, Michelle Wie and Cheyenne Woods.

 About the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Funded by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail was built to help expand tourism, recruit industry and attract retirees, thus strengthening the state’s economy while adding to the quality of life for all Alabamians. The RTJ Golf Trail opened in 1992 and has welcomed more than 11 million rounds of golf. From Mobile Bay to the Tennessee River, the RTJ Golf Trail has 26 courses on 11 sites across Alabama.

 About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

 About Yokohama Tire Corporation

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s broad product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Connect with Yokohama Tire Corporation:

www.facebook.com/yokohamatirecorp

www.twitter.com/yokohamatc

www.youtube.com/user/yokohamamotorsports

www.instagram.com/yokohamatire

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tire Care & Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.