Tournament returns to Wildfire Golf Club on March 18
By JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
After three years and more than $1.5 million raised for charity, The LPGA Founders Cup is here to stay in the Desert Ridge community. Returning March 20-23 after three successful years at the resort, this year’s tournament marks the beginning of a five-year run at Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
Professional female golfers from across the world are participating in the prestigious tourney featuring a $1.5 million purse, with $225,000 going to the champion. The tournament was established to honor the 13 original Founders of the LPGA tour, as well as to help provide a future for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, which has received more than $1.5 million from tournament proceeds in the last three years.
The LPGA selected JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa because of its two high caliber golf courses – the Faldo Championship Course and Palmer Signature Course — and the ability for combining the two as well as the benefit of the event being held at the luxurious resort rich in amenities.
The picturesque Wildfire Golf Club is a multi-award winning club including “Best Courses You Can Play” by Golfweek, “Best Resort Course in the Southwest” by Travel & Leisure Golf and certification by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
The relaxed atmosphere of the LPGA provides a great outing for families and avid golfers alike. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LPGAFoundersCup.com. Children 17 and under will receive free tournament admission with a ticketed adult. Active military members can receive free tournament admission with a valid active military identification.
The Founders Cup will feature a special tribute to LPGA pioneers who had a major role in creating one of the most successful women’s sports organizations in history. Two pioneers who have left an indelible imprint on the LPGA will be honored: Kathy Whitworth and Renee Powell. Whitworth holds the record for the most LPGA career victories with 88. Powell was the second African-American woman to
play on the LPGA Tour, and changed the face of the sport of golf by promoting diversity.
“For the LPGA, the Founders Cup is more than just a tournament – it’s a chance to say ‘thank you’ to those who blazed the trail before us, and to make a real difference in the future of the game,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan.
