(Taipei, July 19, 2011) Organizers of the Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011, due to tee off on Oct 20, confirmed Audi Taiwan as the presenting sponsor, while more multinational companies and local enterprises have come onboard as sponsors to join forces with the previously announced title sponsor Sunrise Group, as the landmark event for Taiwan enters its final stretch of preparations.
The highly-anticipated Championship is billed both as a marquee event as part of the celebrations of Taiwan's 100th anniversary, as well as a homecoming showcase for Taiwan's number one player in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings Yani Tseng. Tickets have gone on sale via the ERA Ticketing System on July 12, 2011.
"I feel very proud to see Yani Tseng ascend to the number one throne and becomes the youngest golfer ever to amass four major titles," remarked Vice President Vincent Siew who also serves as the honorary chairman of the Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011."I urge people to come to the event to show your support for Taiwan's golfers and your appreciation for the best lady golfers the world has to offer."
In the press conference held today, organizers also announced the launch of the official website of the Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011:www.lpgataiwan.com Fans are encouraged to log on the website for latest info, venue access, as well as transportation arrangements. In addition, the event has also established its presence on Facebook which allows fans to interact.
Tournament Chairman Fredericks Chien indicated, "Thanks to Yani Tseng and the LPGA, Taiwan has gained tremendous amount of international media exposure over the past few months. LPGA has helped put Taiwan on the map. I am truly looking forward to the event."
Shia-Ling Tai, minister of Taiwan's Sports Affairs Council (SAC), the governing body of sports in Taiwan, said "SAC will continue to work closely with the organizers to ensure the Championship's smooth preparation in the next three months."
Magistrate Chih-Yang Wu of the Taoyuan County, where the LPGA Taiwan Championship will take place, stressed "the Taoyuan County government has committed enormous amount of manpower and resources to this Championship in terms of traffic, security and transportation arrangements."
To ensure every participating golfer and spectator goes home with the best possible memory and experience, Sunrise Golf & Country Club has invested heavily in golf course and clubhouse renovation, a commitment and feast rarely seen among golf courses hosting world-class tournaments.
"In order to meet the high standards required by the LPGA, Sunrise has introduced the latest lawnmowers and rollers to cut the grass and groom the greens. The revamping works are well underway and are scheduled to be completed in mid-September. "I am sure next time you visit Sunrise Golf Course you will be extremely impressed," said Sunrise Group chairman Tien-Ya Hsu, who is also the chairman of GAROC, the governing body of golf in Taiwan. In an attempt to promote junior golf, Mr. Hsu also presented complimentary tickets to junior golfers who are receiving training under GAROC's junior golf programs at the Sunrise Golf and Country Club.
As Taiwan is eager to enhance its brand image as a country, successful hosting of the LPGA Taiwan Championship is deemed as a benchmark. Managing director of Audi Taiwan Daniel Khoo indicated, "Golf is a sport which puts a premium on accuracy, precision and excellence, characteristics in line with Audi's brand values. I am sure that Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship will be an ideal platform for both Audi and Taiwan to expand their brand image."
The inaugural Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship, organized by IMG, is also expected to rekindle grassroot passion for golf in Taiwan. "During the 1990s and early 2000s, Taiwan consistently hosted several high-profile golf tournaments, which successfully raised Taiwan's profile in the international golfing community. Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011 not only continues that theme but also raises the bar." said tournament director Rob James of IMG.
About GAROC (Golf Association of Republic of China)
Originally founded in 1956, Golf Association of Republic of China (GAROC) has been leading the development and promotion of Golf in Taiwan for more than 50 years. In 1958, GAROC officially joined the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation and also became the founding member of the Confederation. GAROC was reorganized in 1977 and continuously devoted efforts to build golf popularity, train young talents and participate in international tournaments. The golf population rose from 20 to more than 1.5 million. The players from Taiwan also showed outstanding performance among many international tournaments.
About LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The LPGA Futures Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.
About Sunrise Group
Sunrise Group is one of Taiwan's most prestigious conglomerates focusing on the construction/ leisure sector. The group is made of a real estate developing company and the Sunrise Golf & Country Club, a challenging world-class 72-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Sunrise Golf & Country Club has recently been confirmed as the first golf course in Taiwan to host an official LPGA tournament: Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship 2011
About IMG Sports & Entertainment
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. More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com.
| For further queries on this release, please contact: | |||
| Ketchum Public Relations, Taiwan | |||
| +886 2 2738 3038 | |||
| Summer Lee | #235 | summer.lee@knprtw.com.tw | +886 934 155 573 |
| Terry Yu | #216 | terry.yu@knprtw.com.tw | +886 932 242 470 |
| Marian Ma | #211 | marian.ma@knprtw.com.tw | +886 936 091 074 |
| LPGA | Mike Scanlan | ||
| +1 (386) 843-0188 | mike.scanlan@lpga.com | ||
| IMG | Carol Su | ||
| +886 926-54-55-56 | carol.su@imgworld.com | ||
