The LPGA Tour returns to Phoenix this month for the third go around of the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. The tournament once again will be held at the esteemed Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, and will be played March 12-17, 2013, a perfect time to watch some world class golf while enjoying the fantastic spring weather that Arizona has to offer.
Defending champ and current World No. 1 golfer Yani Tseng will be back to defend her title, but will be pushed by a strong field that is expected to include top golfers like Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and 2012 Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis.
The tournament has grown and evolved nicely since its inception in 2011, which was a 54-hole tournament won by Karrie Webb that saw all of the prize money donated to players’ charities. The tournament upgraded to a 72-hole, full-field tournament last year and now is a regular fixture on the LPGA Tour, thanks to title sponsor RR Donnelley.
Along with watching some of the best female golfers in the world, there are a few new elements added this year to enhance the overall fan experience.
The first is the addition of another hospitality area, the Pioneer Pavilion, to the numerous ticket options and packages that are available. The Pioneer Pavilion is an elevated viewing area located on the ninth green, and includes one ticket per day, food and beverage vouchers (Thursday through Sunday), a tournament merchandise gift card and option to buy valet parking.
Something else new for 2013 is the Girls Golf Kid Zone, which will be located at the main tournament entrance. The Kid Zone will have fun activities for children like a rock climbing wall, bounce house and face painting; plus tethered hot air balloon rides will be offered Friday afternoon courtesy of Rainbow Ryders.
The tournament gets underway with practice rounds on Tuesday, March 12, and then the ever-popular Official Pro-Am on Wednesday, March 13, that will feature the LPGA pro’s along with some special celebrity guest players that will be announced the day before the pro-am.
Following the Wednesday Pro-Am it’s all about the golf, with tournament play beginning early Thursday morning for the first round, and concluding on Sunday afternoon at Wildfire Golf Club.
General tournament parking has moved for 2013, and now will be located at Horse Lovers Park on Tatum Road, just southwest of the Loop 101, with free shuttles running all day. Also, as in years past, children ages 17 and under are admitted free with a paid adult, and all active military will receive free admission with valid active military identification.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.LPGAFoundersCup.com or by phone at 1 (888) LGPATIX.
Whether you are a diehard golf fan, a casual sports fan, or a parent looking for a fun way to entertain the entire family, there really is something for everyone at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.
