GILBERT, Ariz. (March 7, 2024) – The Ford Championship presented by KCC is proud to announce that Kim Paez from Peoria, Ariz., has received a sponsor exemption to play in the upcoming LPGA Tour event at Seville Golf and Country Club. Paez, a PGA Player Development Director for PING and a PGA Coach at Cave Creek Golf Club’s Reed West Academy, won the 2023 Southwest PGA Championship, becoming the first female winner in the event’s 66-year history.
"I am inspired by Kim Paez's remarkable achievement in earning a spot in the Ford Championship presented by KCC,” said Lisa Materazzo, global chief marketing officer, Ford Motor Company. “Her success is a testament to the talent, dedication and resilience of female athletes in the world of golf. Let's continue to celebrate and support women breaking barriers and making history in sports."
In celebration of tomorrow’s International Women’s Day, Ford representatives surprised Paez with news of her sponsor exemption today at PING’s Phoenix headquarters.
“I’m absolutely shocked and excited. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I can’t thank Ford enough,” said Paez, who will make her LPGA Tour debut in the Ford Championship presented by KCC. “I’m excited to play against the best in the world here in my hometown and to represent Ford.”
With her one-stroke victory, Paez became just the fourth female professional to win a PGA Section Championship, joining Suzy Whaley (2002), Taylor Collins (2021) and Sandra Changkija (2022). Her victory cemented a berth in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. Paez also finished fourth in the 2024 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship and will make her LPGA Tour major debut at June’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash.
Fans can purchase tickets or view details on ticket options at SeatGeek.com. Daily General Admission tickets are $40, with four-day General Admission passes on sale for $95. Additionally, tickets to the Trophy Bar at 17th Green, a pavilion with incredible views of the 16th green and the featured 17th-hole island green, are $175 for single-day access and $600 for four-day access. The Trophy Bar at 17th Green includes a shared food and beverage service, as well as access to an upgraded restroom.
To honor those who serve our country in the United States Armed Forces, the LPGA is pleased to offer both current and former members of the U.S. Military and certain guests complimentary grounds tickets regardless of sell-out. Click here for information on military tickets. Additionally, juniors aged 17 and under will receive complimentary admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on junior tickets, visit SeatGeek.com.
The LPGA Tour is no stranger to competing in Arizona, visiting the Grand Canyon State more than 70 times since its inception in 1950. Most recently, Celine Boutier captured the 2023 Drive On Championship at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club for the first of her four victories in 2023. This will mark the first professional competition held at Seville Golf and Country Club, which includes LPGA Tour Member Alena Sharp among its membership.
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