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Senior
LPGA and Symetra Tour Return
to
French Lick in 2018
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Hall-of-Famers,
major champions, and future stars
will compete
on both the Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses
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French
Lick, IN – August 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / The
legacy of women’s golf at French
Lick Resort was on full display this summer with the Senior LPGA Championship
presented by Old National Bank, the first ever senior women’s major championship,
and the Symetra Tour’s Donald Ross Classic at French Lick.
The
week-long celebration of women’s golf was such a success for both women’s
golf and the primary charity, the Riley Children’s Foundation, that French
Lick Resort moved quickly to set the dates for 2018.
The
Senior LPGA Championship, won this year by Trish Johnson, will be contested
next year October 15-17, 2018 while the Symetra Tour’s Donald Ross Classic
at French Lick will be played July 12-14, 2018.
The
Senior LPGA Championship is part of a five-year commitment with the LPGA
Tour and televised on Golf Channel.
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A
field of 81 players, featuring a collection of past greats in the women’s
game including LPGA Hall-of- Famers, current LPGA members and major champions
over the age of 45, will compete on the spectacular Pete
Dye Course. The 54-hole event offers a total purse of $600,000. The
Symetra Tour’s 54-hole tournament played on the Donald
Ross Course will have a purse of $200,000.
The
history of women’s golf at French Lick dates back to 1957 where Louise
Suggs captured the French Lick Women’s Open on the historic Donald Ross
course. A few years later the LPGA Championship was brought to the historic
site. In 1959 Betsy Rawls won the LPGA major followed by the legendary
Mickey Wright winning the title in 1960. In 2013, the resort hosted The
Legends Championship on the Pete Dye course and opened up the LPGA Legends
Hall of Fame.
In
2018, the resort will add yet another chapter to women’s golf with these
elite and historic players returning.
About
the LPGA
The
LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded
in 1950 and head- quartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, the association
celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members
representing 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower,
educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA
Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching
and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching,
coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline
of talent ready for the world stage. Follow the LPGA on its television
home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: LPGA.com.
About
French Lick Resort
French
Lick Resort is a $600 million historic restoration and casino development
spread dramatically across 3,000 scenic acres. It encompasses both the
French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel, which have
been fully restored to their original sophistication and luxury, combine
for 689 rooms and are located about one mile apart. The casino, built adjacent
to the French Lick Springs Hotel, opened in 2006. West Baden Springs, with
its spectacular massive dome, opened in 2007 after having not been used
for its original luxurious purpose since 1932. Other facilities and amenities
at this world-class golf resort destination include two spas with a 36
treatment rooms (they continue to offer the Pluto Miner- al Springs bath),
over 51,000 square feet of gaming space, 165,000 square feet of meeting
space and a variety of dining and entertainment options. Free shuttle buses
serve golfers and visitors from around the world. Visit FrenchLick.com.
About
the Symetra Tour
The
Symetra Tour - Road to the LPGA
is the official developmental tour of the LPGA and concluded its 36th competitive
season in 2016. With the support of its umbrella partner, Symetra, the
Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young women professional
golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Since Symetra’s inaugural
sponsorship year in 2012, the Symetra Tour has grown from 16 tournaments
and $1.7M in prize money to $3.5M in prize money awarded over the course
of 23 tournaments - the most events since 1988. With more than 600 alumnae
moving on to the LPGA, former Symetra Tour players have won a total of
418 LPGA titles. Follow the Symetra Tour on the web at SymetraTour.com.
Contact:
French
Lick Resort
Dyan
Welsh Duncan
812-936-5926
Fusion
Media Strategies
Kevin
Frisch
989-614-0241 |