LPGA Players to “Finish Strong for Japan” at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup
RR Donnelley to Donate $100 for Every Birdie and $500 for Every Eagle on Holes 15-18 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 17, 2011 – As those affected by recent tragedies in Japan begin the recovery process, RR Donnelley, title sponsor of this week’s RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, has committed to donate $100 for every birdie and $500 for every eagle made on holes 15-18 this weekend to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Japan relief efforts. Players will be encouraged to “Finish Strong for Japan” as the closing stretch of the course will be dubbed the “Japan Relief Zone.”
The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup begins Friday at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. The tournament features a 134-player field playing for a $1 million purse, all of which will be donated to charity. It’s the only event of its kind on any major professional golf tour.
“Given the exceptionally charitable spirit of this event, the LPGA and RR Donnelley decided to reflect the spirit of giving here by doing something extra for those in need in Japan,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan.
“Finish Strong for Japan” will benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. UNICEF staff members in Japan have already identified some initial areas in need of support, including: re-opening of school activities in time for the new school year in early April, with provisions of locally prepared school-in-a-box; and setting up of child-friendly spaces, with provisions of locally prepared recreation kits. Other areas may include health, nutrition, child protection, and other needs that may have been compromised or disrupted in the wake of the catastrophe.
The “Japan Relief Zone,” holes 15-18, begins with a reachable, 485-yard par-5. Hole 16 is another birdie hole, a par-4 playing to just 307 yards. With a forward tee possible this weekend, the longer hitters will be tempted to drive the green and have a putt for eagle. Hole 17 is a 153-yard par-3 with a sizeable bunker short and left that shouldn’t really come into play, and 18 is a closing par-4 that stretches to 420 yards.
The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will track the numbers of birdies and eagles each day and provide an update at the end of play.
While LPGA players will forgo tournament earnings in favor of charity, results at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will impact the 2011 LPGA Official Money List. Players also will earn points towards Rolex Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, Rolex Rankings and U.S. Solheim Cup team. Scores posted also will count towards the prestigious Vare Trophy.
)
)
)
