DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., February 3, 2010 – The LPGA today announced the first annual LPGA Global Media Awards Presented by Rolex, hosted by the Evian Masters. The first of these Awards will take place in Evian-les-Bains, France on July 23, 2010. The Awards will acknowledge the finest print and photojournalism submissions over a one-year period, with winners awarded during a special event hosted at the Hotel Ermitage following second-round play.

The Awards announcement comes on the heels of Evian's decision to continue its long-time sponsorship of the premier women's Tour: “Our support of the LPGA is stronger than ever. We both believe this unique event has the DNA to be the international showcase for the best women's golf has to offer. We have a lot yet to be accomplished together, but the introduction of the LPGA Global Media Awards Presented by Rolex is a great next step," stated Franck Riboud, Chairman, CEO of Groupe Danone and President of the Evian Masters.

Award entries will be judged in six categories: competition story, player profile story, golf course photograph from an LPGA Tour event, player action photograph, player personality/emotion photograph and Evian Masters Ambassador of the Year photograph (this year's Ambassador is In-Kyung Kim). Guidelines and additional information regarding submissions will be available on LPGA.com in February. Materials under consideration for the inaugural awards must have been published between the 2009 Evian Masters and July 11, 2010.

The LPGA Global Media Awards Selection Committee will be comprised of past Evian Masters champions Ai Miyazato (2009), Helen Alfredsson (2008) and Natalie Gulbis (2007); Jean-Noël Bioul, Co-Director of Sponsorship, Rolex; Jacques Bungert, Tournament Director; and other tournament officials. Additionally, faculty and staff at the University of Oregon's internationally renowned Warsaw Sports Marketing Center also will serve on the Selection Committee.

“As we expand our involvement with women's golf and its professional associations around the world, we are delighted to host the inaugural LPGA Global Media Awards Presented by Rolex, an event that we expect to become an annual highlight on the LPGA Tour,” said Jacques Bungert, Tournament Director. “With its picturesque backdrop, record purse and consummate hospitality, the Evian Masters has evolved into one of the top destinations on the LPGA Tour. As a true showcase of excellence, we can think of no better place to host these prestigious international awards than here in Evian-les-Bains.”

“What a great foursome: Evian and Rolex, global purveyors of excellence, saluting the premier Writers and Photographers covering the women's game,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “We're thrilled with Evian's renewed commitment to the LPGA and their desire to globally elevate women's professional golf.”

The 2010 Evian Masters boasts a LPGA Tour-high purse of $3.25 million, and for the first time this year will welcome 111 players. The 2009 Evian Masters field consisted of 90 players.

The event once again will be played at the Evian Masters Golf Club, in the Royal Resort nestled between Lake Geneva and nearby mountains, and will be preceded by the Evian Masters Juniors Cup, a 36-hole competition enabling aspiring professional golfers a chance to sample the special flavor of a major international gathering.