The biggest names in women’s professional golf are set to tee off in the Valley this March for the 6th annual JTBC Founders Cup. This LPGA event is set for March 15-20, 2016 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Wildfire Golf Club.
The premiere stop on the LPGA tour has a $1.5 million purse up for grabs. High profile players including last year’s winner, Hyo Joo Kim, Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis and Inbee Park are expected to vie for the title.
“The Valley is one of the premiere destinations for golf worldwide making it the ideal place to host this event which honors the women who helped elevate women’s golf,” said Scott Wood, JTBC Founders Cup Tournament Director. “The JTBC Founders Cup is the most exciting tournament on the LPGA Tour, and a can’t-miss experience for any golf lover.”
The event gets underway Tuesday, March 15 with player practice rounds. Wednesday, March 16 is the fan favorite Pro-Am with Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald and Patrick Peterson. Several other local athletes are expected to participate.
First and second round tee times begin on Thursday and Friday at 7 a.m. Third round tee times on Saturday, and Final rounds on Sunday both start at 8:25AM. The Trophy presentation is slated for 6 p.m. on the 18th Green on Sunday.
Thursday through Sunday fans can enjoy the LPGA Lesson Zone on the driving range from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can also stop by during the autograph session with the LPGA Founders from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Main Entrance Tent.
“Comprised of some of the most powerful and precise athletes on the planet, the LPGA tour is nothing short of a rock star crew,” Wood said.” From Cheyenne Woods to Michelle Wie, the elite JTBC Founders Cup tournament is sure to deliver outstanding golf for people who love to watch the game.”
The JTBC Founders Cup was created to honor the 13 women who started the LPGA in 1950. Today the Founders Cup has a strong charitable component that speaks to its roots, helping the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program to the tune of over $3 million raised. The money has helped bring the program to new markets and expand the scope in existing markets.
