ROLEX NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR LPGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Legendary company's commitment to ‘performance and prestige' a perfect fit as women's golf makes its long-awaited return to Houston this Fall
HOUSTON - When women's professional golf makes its long-awaited return to Houston this fall for the 2009 LPGA Tour Championship, it will be with the backing of a familiar and long-time supporter as Rolex was named presenting sponsor for the tournament today.
The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship presented by Rolex, to be held November 17-22, will feature a field of 120 of the top LPGA professionals in the world, a $1,500,000 purse, and a unique format that will see a cut after 36 holes to the low 70 professionals (and ties) and an additional cut after 54 holes to the low 30 pros (and ties)
“Rolex has a long-standing history as a supporter in golf, and women's golf in particular. We're thankful that they once again have demonstrated their commitment to the game at this important time as presenting sponsor of the LPGA Tour Championship,” said Mark Steinberg, Senior Corporate Vice President and Global Managing Director, IMG Golf. “Rolex always has been synonymous with performance and prestige, making their brand a perfect fit for the LPGA Tour Championship which represents those same qualities for the players on the LPGA Tour.”
Since 1980, Rolex, the official timepiece of the LPGA, has been a long-time partner and annually presents the LPGA‘s Rolex Player of the Year and Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, based on a points system, as well as presenting a timepiece to members who are First-Time Winners on Tour. In addition, Rolex is a global sponsor of The Solheim Cup and in 2006 chose to title sponsor the Rolex Rankings for the world of women's professional golf. Rolex also provides the official time at selected LPGA Tour events and is represented by many LPGA Tour players.
“Our goal is to be associated with the absolute best in women's golf and to contribute to the development of women's golf around the world. This announcement reinforces the strong relationship Rolex shares with the LPGA. With all the talent in the global game today we see a strong future in women's golf,” stated Mr. Bruno Meier, Chief Executive Officer, Rolex SA.
Today Rolex supports top sporting and cultural events all over the world. It is present at more than 150 events in the realms of golf, yachting, tennis, equestrian events, motorsports, culture and the arts, as well as philanthropic awards programs. Because of the commitment and continuity of these relationships, Rolex has established itself as more than a sponsor and is seen as a real partner.
The LPGA boasts a strong history in Texas, with some of the biggest names in women's golf winning tournaments including Nancy Lopez, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam. Apart from Houston hosting the Samsung World Championship in 2003, the last regular LPGA Tour event held in the city was in 1986. The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship not only marks the long-awaited return of the LPGA Tour to Houston, but also brings perhaps the most prestigious women's golf tournament in the area's long sports history.
“We're thrilled to showcase the game's greatest golfers in the sports-savvy city of Houston,” said Marty Evans, LPGA Acting Commissioner. “The Houston fans and those who will follow the event around the world on television will enjoy the culmination of an exciting LPGA Tour season highlighted by a close battle for the Rolex Player of the Year award and emergence of a host of new and future stars.”
The LPGA Tour Championship will be broadcast on the Golf Channel from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22.
The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, owned by The Redstone Companies, opened in November, 1999 and was designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Rees Jones. Among its many accolades, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club was proud host of the 2006 Nationwide Tour Championship.