KAHUKU, Oahu, Hawaii… One hundred thirty-eight talented American and international pro LPGA golfers including nine of the top ten money winners from 2006 led by Lorena Ochoa, named the leading female athlete of the year, will guarantee exciting golf on Oahu’s North Shore in the third annual SBS OPEN at Turtle Bay $1,100,000 golf tournament this week February 11-17, 2007. The SBS OPEN is the inaugural event of the 2007 LPGA full-field season with a marquee field of lady golfers. The champion receives a $165,000 first prize.
This third tournament of a five year contract will be hosted once again by the 6,520 yard, par-72 championship Palmer Course of the Turtle Bay Resort where Korea’s Joo Mi Kim won her first LPGA tournament last year defeating seasoned Lorena Ochoa of Mexico and fellow country woman, Soo Young Moon in a tight two-hole playoff. Kim’s winnings totaled over $360,000 in official money last year finishing 33rd on the ADT LPGA money list while competing in 21 tournaments. Ochoa completed the year with four victories and over $2,590,000 in winnings while being named the world’s leading woman athlete.
Title Sponsor, SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), is Korea’s only private terrestrial broadcasting company and will broadcast the tournament in Korea and Asia.
The Golf Channel will broadcast throughout its domestic and international network Thursday through Saturday, February 15 through 17.
Spectators will be welcome during the entire week at the driving range and practice putting green to check out their favorite player. The 2007 player field is a stellar one including Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Christina Kim, Morgan Pressel, Ai Miyazato, defending champion Joo Mi Kim and Jennifer Rosales, winner of the 2005 event. The players include nine of the top money winners of 2006 and the majority of the tournament winners from the 2006 season. Daily Admission ticket prices are $10 Wednesday through Saturday and a season pass for $25 good for all week. Tournament officials state that a few limited Pro-Am spots are still available for the Valentine’s Day Pro-Am Wednesday, February 14, which includes the Tuesday night, February 13, Pro-Am draw party with dinner and entertainment and the Chairman’s Awards Dinner, the following night, Wednesday, February 14.
Event ticket proceeds benefit North Shore charities through Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc. For more information call 808-792-9333. The 880-acre Turtle Bay Resort is located on the north shore of Oahu, home to some of the world’s most exciting and legendary surfing spots and two of the island’s superb golf courses, the Arnold Palmer-designed course and the Fazio Course. Information is also on the Resort’s website, www.turtlebayresort.com.
Contact:
Bill BachranÌâåÊ
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