The Houstonian Golf & Country Club named site for first LPGA tournament in Texas since 2003
Houston, TX – Long considered one of the top sports cities in the United States, it has been almost six years since the stars of the LPGA Tour have competed in Houston, Texas. But this fall, golf fans can look forward to the return of women’s professional golf to Texas when The Houstonian Golf & Country Club plays host to the LPGA Tour Championship.
The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship, to be held November 17-22, will feature a field of 120 of the top LPGA professionals in the world, a $1,500,000 purse, and a unique format that will see a cut after 36 holes to the low 70 professionals and an additional cut after 54 holes to the low 30 pros.
“As the crowning moment of the 2009 season, the LPGA Tour Championship promises to showcase the very best in women’s golf, both on the course and in our ‘Outside the Ropes’ commitment to the community,” said LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens. “Houston is a premier sports city that will embrace a season finale featuring the game’s greatest stars. LPGA players have been eager to return to the great state of Texas, and they’re thrilled that they’ll do so on such a spectacular course.”
The LPGA boasts a strong history in Texas, with some of the biggest names in women’s golf winning tournaments including Nancy Lopez, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam. Apart from Houston hosting the Samsung World Championship in 2003, the last regular LPGA Tour event held in the city was in 1986. The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship not only marks the long-awaited return of the LPGA Tour to Houston, but brings perhaps the most prestigious women’s golf tournament in the area’s long sports history.
“The Houstonian Golf & Country Club is honored to serve as the host club for the LPGA Tour Championship,” said Bob Henricksen, CEO of The Redstone Companies. “It was the vision of our previous CEO David Shindeldecker (deceased October, 2008) to host the top women golfers in the world in addition to the Shell Houston Open. It’s very special not only for our company but for the growth and awareness of the game and the charitable impact in the community.”
Tickets for the 2009 LPGA Tour Championship will go on sale June 1 and can be purchased online at www.lpgatourchampionship.org or by phone at 877-LPGA-TIX (574-2849). The cost for daily tickets, which allow grounds access for any one day of tournament week (Wednesday – Sunday), is $20. Daily parking passes are also available for purchase, and are priced at $5 each. Weekly grounds passes are priced at $60, and allows access to the tournament grounds for the entire week. All weekly ticket purchases also include one complimentary weekly parking pass.
To celebrate the LPGA Tour’s return to Houston, fans who purchase one full-price weekly grounds pass during the month of June will receive an additional weekly pass free. One complimentary weekly parking pass will be sent with each order in conjunction with this special offer.
The LPGA Tour Championship will be broadcast on the Golf Channel from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22.
The Houstonian Golf Club, owned by The Redstone Companies, opened in November, 1999 and was designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Rees Jones. Among its many accolades, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club was proud host of the 2006 Nationwide Tour Championship.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today’s LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes who, in 2009, will compete in events in 10 countries. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, 1,200 certified LPGA T&CP members serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA’s Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.
About IMG
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world’s largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.
About The Redstone Companies
The Redstone Companies is a privately-owned company located in Houston, Texas with a focus on hospitality, real estate and private equity. Redstone Companies Hospitality brands include The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa; Houstonian Lite; Shadow Hawk Golf Club; The Houstonian Golf & Country Club; Redstone Golf Club, and BlackHorse Golf Club. The Real estate division is Redstone Real Estate and the Private Equity group is Redstone Capital Partners.
Contact:
Dave Haggith
IMG Golf
Cell: (416) 629-6474
David Higdon
LPGA
Tel: (386) 843-0073
Kim Phillips
The Redstone Companies
Tel: (713) 268-8094
