CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 9, 2009 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) today formally introduced its new tournament in the San Diego area during a press conference attended by incoming commissioner Michael Whan at La Costa Resort and Spa. The LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf will be held March 22-28 at La Costa Resort and Spa, continuing a long history of women’s professional golf in San Diego and extending a storied tradition of professional golf at the iconic coastal resort.
“We are thrilled to once again showcase the best golfers in the world in the San Diego area,” Whan said. “The support of J Golf and a respected venue like La Costa Resort and Spa will go a long way toward making this a first-class event.”
The $1.7 million LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf is a 144-player event that will bring the biggest names in women’s golf to North San Diego County for the LPGA’s first event in the United States, and third tournament overall, in 2010.
Mexican superstar and Rolex Rankings No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Jiyai Shin, American No. 1 Cristie Kerr, young American stars Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lincicome, and other standouts such as Japan’s Ai Miyazato and South Korea’s Na Yeon Choi are expected to headline a strong field as players prepare for the bulk of the LPGA season.
“We are looking forward to an excellent tournament here at La Costa,” tournament director Jim Felechner said. “Our priority is to establish the LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf as a top-notch event for fans, players, sponsors and the local community.”
Tickets for the LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf are available at the event’s official Web site, www.lpgalacosta.com, or by calling 1-888-SEE-LPGA. For available volunteer opportunities and further tournament information, log on to www.lpgalacosta.com or call the tournament office at (760) 579-7365.
The LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf will continue a long tradition of professional women’s golf in San Diego, beginning in 1953 with the San Diego Open. Most recently, Choi became a Rolex First-Time Winner at the 2009 Samsung World Championship, held at storied Torrey Pines Golf Course. In the 55 years between, San Diego tournament winners have included the likes of LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame members Louise Suggs, Mickey Wright, Betsy Rawls and many other prominent LPGA stars.
La Costa Resort and Spa will host an official LPGA event for the first time when it welcomes the LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf, though the majestic coastal resort is no stranger to professional tournaments. La Costa most recently hosted the PGA TOUR’s World Golf Championships (WGC) Accenture Match Play Championship (1999-2006). Its longest-running tournament brought the PGA TOUR’s best to La Costa from 1969-1998, first as the Tournament of Champions and later as the Mercedes Championship. It also hosted the CBS Golf Classic in 1965, and was home to the Haig Scotch Mixed Foursome Championship from 1965-67.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women’s professional golf. LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game through 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 J Golf
J Golf is a 24-hour cable & satellite golf channel covering various golf tours such as the LPGA Tour (beginning in 2010), KLPGA Tour, European Tour, Ladies European Tour, JGTO and the JLPGA tour. Since its first launching in January 2005, J Golf has also been airing instructional programs not only for beginners but also advanced golfers. In addition, J Golf offers golfing event programs and golf news coverage from around the globe.
J Golf is the first golf channel in the world to create original HD content programs. The proudest achievement in J Golf history is the contract signed in early 2009 to broadcast the LPGA Tour for five years, beginning in 2010. In Korea, J Golf has almost completed deals on airing the LPGA Tour, the most prestigious female golf tour in the world, with all types of TV platforms including terrestrial TV, cable TV, satellite TV, IP-TV, Digital Mobile Broadcasting and VOD.
With J Golf, watching golf becomes as much fun as playing golf.
About La Costa Resort and Spa
Nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa boasts the 43,000 square-foot Spa at La Costa, 610 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms, suites and villas, a Clubhouse with a fitness center, two acclaimed restaurants – Legends and BlueFire Grill and two championship golf courses. The entire resort, linked by walkways and washed in color by lush vegetation and gardens, enjoys a village-like ambience. For more information on La Costa Resort and Spa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.
About KSL Resorts
Founded in 1992, KSL Resorts manages seven time-honored resorts with outstanding recreational amenities, including spa, golf, tennis and ski. Each is refined yet unpretentious, rich in legacy, and genuine in service. The KSL Resorts are:
• Hotel del Coronado (San Diego)
• Beach Village at The Del (San Diego)
• La Costa Resort and Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)
• Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
• Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa (Vail, Colo.)
• Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, Texas)
• The Homestead (Hot Springs, Va.)
For more information, call 1-866-KSL-7727 or visit www.KSLResorts.com.
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