"Given the current state of the global economy, we view today's release of our 2009 Tour schedule as a barometer of the stability, appeal and value of our players and property," said Bivens. "Each and every year, the LPGA schedule evolves with a natural ebb and flow of events, but like many businesses and individuals, the state of the global economy and the economic crisis we are all facing has resulted in a slightly different tournament landscape for 2009. With 31 events in 10 countries, we remain focused on providing market-based playing opportunities for our members, as well as providing fans with a great entertainment experience across the schedule."
The official money portion of the LPGA Tour schedule released today includes:
– 31 events in 10 countries
– Official prize money of nearly $55 million;
– Average prize money of $1.767 million;
– The Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill., where the Americans will be looking to keep their untarnished home record intact against the Europeans in this biennial, team match play competition;
– The CN Canadian Women's Open with a $2.75 million purse, $500,000 more than in 2008;
– The Stanford Financial Tour Championship in Houston will feature a $2 million purse and conclude the 2009 season;
– A return to Thailand for the Honda LPGA Thailand after a deliberate one-year hiatus in order to create a geographic flow in early 2009 where it will partner up with the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
As the longest-running women's professional sports organization in the world, the LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). The 2008 LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes competing in 37 events in 10 countries with total prize money of more than $60 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, more than 1,200 certified LPGA T&CP members serve the golf industry in teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.