LPGA's RR Donnelley Event Gets a Facelift

Yesterday the LPGA announced that the RR Donnelley Founders Cup - an event that focused on the LPGA's "past, present, and future" in 2011 - will return to Phoenix in 2012, but with a slightly different look and feel. The idea of the Founder's Cup will always remain a tribute to the original 13 women who started the LPGA in 1950, but will now also include a special tribute to a group of "golf pioneers" who played a major role in starting the association. These pioneers include - but are not limited to - Peggy Kirk Bell, Betsy Rawls, Barbara Romack and Mickey Wright.

According to LPGA Commish Michael Whan, this second rendition of the Founders Cup will be an enhancement from the previous tournament model.

“Next season, with RR Donnelley’s vision, we will prove that the Founders Cup sequel is even better than the original. We already know that the unique concept of the Founders Cup inspired the support of LPGA players and energized fans and media in its inaugural year. We will build on that positive momentum in 2012 and beyond with enhancements that include the celebration of LPGA pioneers, a strong player purse and a significant commitment to the Girls Golf program. Most importantly, the future of the game will continue to be the real winner at this event, as the proceeds continue to expand opportunities for young women to get started in this great game.” (LPGA.com)

The tournament will also expand to a four-day event with a 72-hole format and will be held March 12-18, 2012 at Wildfire Golf Club in Pheonix, AZ.

(Note: The previous article was originally published by the author on WaggleRoom.com)