This year's LPGA Volvik Championship is returning to Ann Arbor with a new pro-am event sponsored by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Congenital Heart Center.
The pro-am will benefit children with complex congenital heart disease and support the center at UM, which is one of the largest pediatric heart programs in the country. The event takes place at Travis Pointe Country Club on May 21, leading up to the Memorial Day weekend golf tournament.
"Now individuals and corporate partners can combine their love of golf with a worthy cause through a donation to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital," Keith Karbo, tournament director, said in a written statement.
Volvik Inc. is in its final year of a three-year title sponsorship deal. The South Korean golf ball maker has been its top sponsor since its inception three years ago. Other sponsors include Japanese automaker Infiniti, Detroit-based Faygo Beverages Inc., Detroit-based Little Caesar Enterprises Inc. and several others.
KC Crain, president of Crain Communications Inc., which owns Crain's Detroit Business, and his wife, Ashley Crain, are tournament chairs.
Last year, the LPGA pro-am, called the Valor Cup, took place at the golf course at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, where female veterans played alongside tour players. Organizers say they are working on holding the same event this year.
The Volvik Championship draws the biggest names on the LPGA tour, including Lexi Thompson, Cristie Kerr, Ariya Jutanugarn and Stacy Lewis. Shanshan Feng won last year's tournament.
Grounds tickets start at $20 per day. Active duty members of the military and veterans are free, as are kids when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased online or at the tournament.
More than 30,000 spectators are expected to attend the tournament, according to its website. Organizers say it creates a $20 million economic impact for Southeast Michigan.
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