Legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course to play host to 2009 Samsung World Championship
Prestigious LPGA event to be played at Torrey Pines' South Course, September 16-20
Torrey Pines Golf Course, regarded as one of the world's top golf courses and home to the 2008 U.S. Open Championship, will again play host to the world's best players in 2009. Announced today, the Samsung World Championship will be played at the San Diego facility's famed South Course, September 16-20.
The event will mark the second time that an LPGA tournament will be played at Torrey Pines dating back to 1983, and the first time the Tour visits the San Diego area in over 15 years.
"On behalf of the City of San Diego, we look forward to welcoming the LPGA Tour with the 2009 Samsung World Championship at Torrey Pines," said Jon Maddern, Deputy Director/Golf Operations Division for the City of San Diego, owners of Torrey Pines Golf Courses. "This magnificent facility has witnessed many spectacular golf moments over the years, and we know that the best in women's golf will create more history here in September."
Last season, the Samsung World Championship was staged at the Ocean Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, where Paula Creamer earned one of the most significant titles of her career with a one-stroke victory over Song-Hee Kim.
Celebrating its 29th year in 2009, the Samsung World Championship is a 72-hole, stroke-play tournament featuring an elite 20-player field that includes the winners of the season's four LPGA majors - the Kraft Nabisco Championship, McDonald's LPGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola, the U.S. Women's Open, and the RICOH Women's British Open. The field also includes the previous year's Vare Trophy winner, the LPGA Tour's current money list leader and the Samsung World Championship defending champion.
A berth in the field is also awarded by the Championship selection committee to the leading player from the Ladies European Tour (LET), other leading money winners from the LPGA Tour's current year, as well as one sponsor invitation.
"We look forward to bringing the best of women's golf to San Diego this fall," echoed LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens. "It has long been our mission to provide our players with the world's best venues - like historic Torrey Pines - on which to showcase their extraordinary skill and talent."
Consistently ranked as one of the top 100 golf courses in the United States, Torrey Pines was designed by legendary course architect William P. Bell and completed by his son, William F. Bell, opening in 1957. Towering above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines boasts challenging golf in a spectacular setting often described as a ‘golfer's paradise' offering two 18-hole Championship courses; the North and South courses. In 2001, Torrey Pines South Course underwent a remodeling project led by renowned golf course designer Rees Jones that was met with rave reviews.
The list of past Samsung World Championship winners includes: Beth Daniel (1980, '81 and '94), JoAnne Carner (1982, '83), Nancy Lopez (1984), Amy Alcott (1985), Pat Bradley (1986), Ayako Okamoto (1987), Rosie Jones (1988), Betsy King (1989), Cathy Gerring (1990), Meg Mallon (1991), Dottie Pepper (1993), Se Ri Pak (1999), Juli Inkster (1997, '98 and 2000), Dorothy Delasin (2001), Annika Sorenstam (1995, '96, 2002, '04 and '05), Sophie Gustafson (2003), Lorena Ochoa (2006, '07) and Paula Creamer (2008).
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today's LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes who, in 2009, will compete in a minimum of 30 official money events in 10 countries with total prize money of more than $54 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, 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.
About Torrey Pines Golf Courses
Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Courses were envisioned by legendary course architect William P. Bell to be wind and sea swept golf courses that would afford golfers both rugged play and breathtaking surroundings. His son William F. Bell ensured and oversaw the completion of the north and south courses which opened in 1957.
Both courses test a player's skill with tight fairways, lush rough, as well as trees, bunkers, sand and often challenging weather conditions. Both courses have many breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean that caresses the rugged coastline laying below the parallel fairways. In addition, majestic views of huge natural canyon complement the ocean horizon. Both courses play host to the Buick Invitational and the Junior World Championship each year.
In 2001, celebrated golf course designer Rees Jones was given the task of remodeling the South Course, an endeavor that has been met with almost universal acclaim. Now an impressive 7,702 yards in length, the Torrey Pines South Course hosted the 2008 USGA United States Open Championship "a Duel for the Ages."
Torrey Pines has long been recognized as one of the nation's premier golf facilities. Often referred to as a "golfer's paradise." Torrey Pines North and South Courses are municipal courses, owned and maintained by the City of San Diego. In addition to the North and South championship courses, facilities include a driving range, practice putting greens, food/beverage carts and a restaurant/grill at the Lodge at Torrey Pines which is adjacent to the golf course. The golf shop at Torrey Pines (one of the largest green-grass golf shops in the US), offers an expansive array of golf merchandise, golf clubs and shoe rentals, hand and power golf carts. Group and individual golf lessons are offered by the pro shop staff.
For more information about Torrey Pines you can log onto www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/torreypines/ or call 858-581-7171.
)
)
)
)
