Bank of Hope
Founders Cup
March 13 – 18, 2018
Wildfire Golf Club at
JW Marriott Phoenix
Desert Ridge Resort
& Spa
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix Golf: The home of sun, fun and the ultimate family golf experience
While the Phoenix golf scene may be best known for the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, another world class golf event takes place just 5 weeks later when the LPGA Tour comes to town. The Bank of Hope Founders Cup is played annually at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix.
Developed in 2011 by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan, the Founders Cup celebrates the hard work and dedication of 13 women who, in 1950, set out to pave the way for women in golf. When determining the location for such a prestigious event, the Valley of the Sun was a natural choice with the beauty of the desert, March temperatures, and the local love of golf.
The Bank of Hope Founders Cup continues the vision of the 13 original Founders by continuing to grow the game of golf. The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program is the direct benefactor and makes a difference by inspiring young women through the game of golf. Girls Golf was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1989 by Sandy LaBauve. What started out as a way to get her daughters involved with the sport Sandy loved, is now a national program with 70,000 active members in more than 400 locations throughout the U.S. Since its inception, the program has introduced more than 300,000 young girls to the game of golf. The Phoenix chapter is one of the most involved and fastest growing sites in the nation. LPGA-USGA Girls Golf spearheads the Junior Golf Day each year at the Founders Cup. Usually held on the Saturday of tournament week, this day-long event is open to youth of all ages and skill levels.
The ultimate family golf experience can be found at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup with week-long activities and events for all ages. From beginners to lifelong fans, and everyone in between, there is something for all who attend.
For those fans who’d rather watch the world class golf up close, a seat in one of the hospitality areas is the answer. Enjoy an afternoon of great golf in one of the three hospitality areas, all of which include food and beverage. Pioneer Pavilion is a slightly elevated, fully covered viewing area on the 9th green with a light lunch and beverages included. The 18th green offers two hospitality areas, the Villa and Founders Club, which both have food & beverages included. Though each offers a different perspective of the 18th green, both the Villa and Founders Club have impressive views of the 18th green, fairway, and scenic McDowell Mountain range in the distance. You’d be hard pressed to find a better spot, than one of these three hospitality areas, to enjoy the spring weather in Phoenix and watch the best women golfers in the world.
Whether you have been a fan for years or are just getting into golf, the stories found on the LPGA Tour are those of passion and triumph. The LPGA is home to some of the most approachable athletes in any sport; and Autograph Alley is a prime example. Fans line up in Autograph Alley to meet their favorite player, get their autograph and sometimes even a selfie. LPGA players take time before, or after a round to meet and interact with their fans – regardless of how they may have played that round. LPGA players love their fans and that’s something that transcends all ages.
The 2018 Bank of Hope Founders Cup will be played March 13 – 18, 2018 at Wildfire Golf Club with a full-field of 144 LPGA players, one of which will be defending champion and former ASU student Anna Nordqvist. Other players in the field this year may include Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Brooke Henderson and local favorite Cheyenne Woods.
Tickets are on sale now online starting at $20. The Family Four Pack is new this year and is the perfect ticket package for a family to enjoy a day out at the tournament. The $65 package includes: 2 adult grounds tickets, 2 kids grounds tickets, 4 lanyards, 4 lunch vouchers to redeem at any tournament concession stand, a public parking pass and souvenir sling bag. For more information on tickets or volunteer opportunities visit www.LPGAFoundersCup.com.
For more information on
tickets or volunteer
opportunities visit
www.LPGAFoundersCup.com.
