LPGA formally introduces new tournament in San Diego area
LPGA Classic Presented by J Golf will be held March 22-28 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. and continue LPGA's long tradition in San Diego County
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.Topics: Press Release
