tournaments
2012 RR Donnelley Tournament
The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup marks its return of the LPGA to a premier Phoenix golf resort when it tees off at JW Marriott Desert Ridge's Wildfire Golf Club – home to both Faldo and Palmer championship courses -- March 14.
Professional female golfers from across the country will compete for a purse of $1.5 million as well as a commitment of $500,000 to the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program. The tournament will expand to a four-day, 72-hole format.
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. The event will honor LPGA members Peggy Kirk Bell, Betsy Rawls, Barbara Romack and Mickey Wright for their pioneering and trailblazing spirit, as well as their exemplary participation in the development and advancement of the LPGA.
The 54-hole event in 2011 marked the return of the LPGA to the Phoenix area for the first time since 2009. LPGA players forewent tournament earnings to support the LPGA Foundation and its LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program which impacted more than 6,600 young girls in 2010. Players also competed for an additional $200,000 charitable pool shared by the top-five finishers in the tournament. Prior to the start of the event, each player designated for which charity she will play.
Fans witnessed the best of today’s players, while also catching a glimpse of the past. LPGA Founders Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork and Louise Suggs and LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame members, Betsy King, Patty Sheehan, Nancy Lopez and Pat Bradley made special appearances at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. King, Sheehan, Lopez and Bradley played an 18-hole exhibition match.