DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 28, 2006 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic Presented by Kroger jointly announced today that the tournament has extended its relationship with the LPGA through 2009.
The announcement comes on the heels of one of the most exciting events in the 22-year history of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, as Mi Hyun Kim edged out Natalie Gulbis in a three-hole sudden-death playoff for her second victory of the year. Despite heavy rains during part of the tournament, record crowds turned out and the television audience of nearly 1.3 million households represented a 140 percent increase compared to last year.
"We are thrilled that the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic will be on the LPGA schedule through at least 2009," said Carolyn F. Bivens, LPGA commissioner. "This extension is the result of collaborative efforts with the board of directors of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic and shows what the LPGA and tournaments can do together.
"This tournament is one of the players’ favorite stops on Tour, and we look forward to working with not only sponsors Owens Corning and Kroger, but also with the great golf fans of Toledo and tournament host Jamie Farr for years to come."
The tournament will continue to be staged at par-71 Highland Meadows Golf Club located just outside of Toledo, Ohio, in Sylvania, Ohio. The 2007 tournament will feature a $1.3 million purse, which is an increase of $100,000 from 2006, and will be contested July 12-15. The 2007 event will be broadcast on the ESPN network.
Jim Murray, general chairman for the tournament, applauded the seasoned tournament staff for keeping the event on track after heavy downpours soaked the course in many areas during competition.
"Less experienced people might have cancelled," said Murray, "but these folks knew what to do to make the tournament a success from beginning to end.
"The sponsors, charities and of course the fans also continue to be key elements of the ongoing success of this event. Thanks to them, we raised about $500,000 this year and more than $5 million over the past 22 years for charities in Northwest Ohio. The Classic provides us with spectacular golfing competition while improving the quality of life in our communities."
The Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic first debuted on the LPGA schedule in 1984 and with the exception of 1986 has been a staple ever since. The tournament has showcased some of the most prolific winners in LPGA history, as Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, Laura Davies, Meg Mallon, Patty Sheehan and Alice Miller all won the event at least once. The event has been played at Highland Meadows Golf Club since 1989.
Contact:
Connie Wilson, LPGA
386-274-6200
Judd Silverman
Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger
(419) 531-3277
