PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 11, 2025) – The Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is proud to announce that Maria Fassi from Pachuca, Mexico, has received a sponsor exemption in this year’s field. The competition, to be held March 27-30 at Whirlwind Golf Club, will bring 144 of the world’s best golfers to the South Valley for a week of world-class competition and family-friendly activities.

“Ford is thrilled to welcome Maria Fassi as our sponsor exemption for the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass,” said Bryan Guldi, Ford’s Experiential Marketing Manager, US. “Maria embodies the spirit of innovation and determination that aligns perfectly with our brand values. Her dynamic presence on the course, coupled with her commitment to excellence, makes her a standout choice. We believe her participation will inspire golfers and fans alike, and we're excited to support her journey as she continues to make her mark in the world of golf.”

“This is such a gratifying moment in my journey as a golfer. To stand alongside my peers and compete on the LPGA for the first time this year is a privilege I won’t be taking for granted,” said Fassi. “I am very grateful for Ford and their continued support for women’s golf, but especially for giving me the opportunity to compete. I am beyond excited to step onto the course and give my absolute best.”

Fassi burst into the public eye with a runner-up finish at the 2019 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. She has eight career top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour, with a best finish of third at the 2022 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G and the 2022 Dow Championship. She represented her home country of Mexico at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.

Fassi played collegiate golf at the University of Arkansas from 2016-19, where her 11 individual titles included the 2019 SEC Championship and the 2019 NCAA Championship.

Beyond her on-course talents, Fassi is dedicated to giving back to the game of golf, especially in her adopted Northwest Arkansas home. Through the Maria Fassi Foundation and Fassi's Friends, she provides opportunities for kids of all abilities to be exposed to golf, impacting lives in her local community. Fassi’s Friends offers free golf classes for disabled and full-bodied kids to come together and learn the game of golf.

“This tournament is about so much more than just golf for me,” said Fassi. “It’s about growth, resilience and embracing the journey — the moments of triumph and the challenges that shape me into the person and athlete I am today.”

Fassi joins an incredibly strong field for the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, the first event in the United States after the LPGA Tour returns from three weeks playing across Asia. Defending champion Nelly Korda, who has been No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for 52 consecutive weeks, leads the field that will take to Whirlwind Golf Club.

As of today, 19 of the top 20 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings have committed to compete in the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. That group includes major champions Celine Boutier, Ayaka Furue, Hannah Green, Jin Young Ko, Lydia Ko, Korda, Yuka Saso, Lilia Vu, Amy Yang and Ruoning Yin.

2024 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Sarah Schmelzel, who was born and raised in Phoenix, headlines the list of competitors with Arizona connections. She is joined by former Arizona State University Sun Devils Carlota Ciganda, Linn Grant, Azahara Munoz, Anna Nordqvist and Linnea Strom.

The full field will be finalized on March 18. For a complete list of tournament entries, click here.

Tickets for the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass are available for purchase at SeatGeek.com. General admission daily tickets start at $49, with weekly passes starting at $129. Hospitality tickets for the Trophy Bar at 16 are $224 for daily admission and $799 for weekly access. The Trophy Bar at 16 provides premium access to an open-air structure on the 16th green and includes shared food and beverage services, including bar options and complimentary on-site parking.

Juniors aged 17 and under will receive complimentary admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on junior tickets, visit FordChampionship.com. The LPGA is also pleased to offer both current and former members of the U.S. Military and certain guests complimentary grounds tickets regardless of sell-out. Click here for information on military tickets.

Once on site, fans can experience several fun activities beyond purely watching golf. The LPGA Tour’s 75th Anniversary Mobile Experiencewill debut at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. This immersive activation will feature digital storytelling, a 75th-inspired retail capsule, and a season-long sweepstakes. A highlight of the Mobile Experience will be a Custom Hat Bar, where fans can choose a hat and pick from a variety of fun patches, with a personalized design created right on site. The Mobile Experience will also feature the latest LPGA gear including polos, mid-layers and accessories. Browse the full selection of LPGA gear online by visiting LPGAProShop.com.

Fans are invited to stop by the Ford display, hosted by the Arizona Ford Dealers, for a variety of activities that will challenge skill and creativity with plenty of opportunities to win some great prizes!

While at the Ford display, fans are encouraged to register for the Ford Championship Hole-In-One Sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win a 2025 Ford Expedition! If a player makes an ace on the 15th hole on Saturday or Sunday, she will win a 2025 Ford Expedition not only for herself, but also for one lucky fan who has registered for the sweepstakes. For more information and to register for the sweepstakes, visit FordChampionship.com. Registration runs through March 30, 2025.

The Iovera Lesson Zone will offer fans the unique opportunity to receive a free 10-minute lesson from an LPGA Teaching Professional. Visit their booth to sign up for a lesson.

For more information on all the events happening at the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, visit FordChampionship.com.

Media who wish to attend and cover the competition should apply for credentials at www.lpgamediacredentials.com. The credential application closes Friday, March 21 at 5 p.m. local.

Maria Fassi Receives Sponsor Exemption Into 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass

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