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Vincent Publishing - 2008 Michelob ULTRA Open - Index

M I C H E L O B U L T R A O P E N 2 0 0 8 O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M
HEADLINE
A TRADITION OF
EXCELLENCE
Edward Paula Creamer Natalie Gulbis Lorie Kane Cristie Kerr Lorena Ochoa Grace Park
THE WORLD’S TOP FEMALE GOLFERS WILL CONTINUE TO TEE OFF AGAINST
ONE ANOTHER ON MOTHER’S DAY FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS FOLLOWING
THE RENEWAL OF THE LPGA TOUR MICHELOB ULTRA OPEN AT KINGSMILL.
Edward
THE TOURNAMENT RENEWAL WAS ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER 2007.
Each year, Kingsmill is honored to host the majority, if
not all, of the top 50 players on the scenic River
Course along the James River. Consistently dubbed the
“fifth major” in previous years, the Michelob ULTRA
Open at Kingsmill was named “Best Overall Event on
Tour” by the players in the 2007 inaugural “LPGA Best
Practice Awards” poll. The Michelob ULTRA Open captured
four of the 10 categories.
Additional awards included
“Best Family Hospitality,” “Best
Caddie Hospitality,” and “Best
Gala Party.”
As in past years, tournament week not only showcases
world-class golf, but also features three pro-am events, a
junior clinic, the popular family fun zone, live music, a
fashion show and the only Caddie Tournament available
in the country. The family fun zone was introduced in
2007 and proved to be a big hit with kids. Families are
encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary
activities the area offers which includes inflatable slides,
games, face painting and a scavenger hunt. Located on
the first fairway of the Plantation Course, the family fun
zone is open on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament
weekend and offers a place for families to recharge.
“We’re very proud of the reputation
we’ve built as one of the premier
stops on the LPGA Tour,”
said Tony Ponturo, vice president,
Global Media and Sports
Tony Ponturo
Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “For more than half a
century, the LPGA Tour has served as center stage for the
world’s elite female players. Anheuser-Busch is proud of
The 2007 Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill provided
fans with one of the most thrilling finishes on the LPGA
Tour last season. Norway’s Suzann Pettersen began the
final round four strokes out of the lead, but fired a bogeyfree
69 to put her at 10-under par (274) for the tournament
and into a sudden death playoff with Jee Young Lee
of South Korea. Pettersen clinched her first LPGA Tour
victory with a par on the third playoff hole.
our relationship with golf and we’re excited to continue
this sponsorship.”
The success of the tournament has resulted in more than
$1.3 million being donated to Virginia civic and charita-
“Being chosen by the players as ‘Best Overall Event’ ble organizations in the past five years. The 2007
means a lot to this tournament,” said Wayne Nooe, Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill generated $221,000
Michelob ULTRA Open Tournament Director. “We look for 19 local organizations. In addition, the tournament’s
forward to building upon the success of our first five “Here’s to the Heroes” program provides free admission
years. As we continue to learn and grow with each
tournament we would like to thank all of those involved
in making this recognition possible.”
for active duty military and one dependent throughout
the event. The program was expanded this year to
include firefighters and police officers.
This event offers one of the richest prize purses on the
LPGA Tour,with $2.2 million up for grabs and a $330,000
payday and Waterford crystal trophy awaiting the champion.
This event also serves as an automatic qualifier into
the season-ending ADT Championship. This year marks
the tournament’s sixth year on the LPGA Tour schedule
and Kingsmill’s 28th year as host to a professional golf
tournament.
“We are truly grateful that our association with the
Michelob ULTRA brand and the LPGA Tour has
allowed us to contribute more than $1.3 million to the
community in just five years,” Nooe said. “We look
forward to continuing this tradition for years to come
with the return of the top LPGA Tour players, quality
sponsors, amazing fans and the dedicated volunteers that
make this tournament so successful.”
MICHELOB ULTRA OPEN • 2008 OFFICIAL PROGRAM
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