London Hunt & Country Club named as host venue for inaugural
Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) –Golf Canada, the LPGA Tour, and Canadian Pacific (CP) today announced a three -year sponsorship agreement to become title sponsor of the Canadian Women’s Open Golf Championship.
The tournament will be renamed the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open. The inaugural event will be held at the London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ontario from August 18-24, 2014.
“On behalf of Golf Canada, the LPGA Tour and Canadian golf fans from coast to coast, I want to thank Canadian Pacific, and especially CEO Hunter Harrison, for aligning their respected brand with our National Women’s Open Golf Championship,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “This is an exciting day as we welcome a storied institution in Canadian Pacific as a proud partner in Canadian golf.”
“Canadian Pacific is pleased to have the opportunity to become title sponsor of the Canadian Women’s Open,” said E. Hunter Harrison, CEO, Canadian Pacific. “Having been involved in this great championship in the past, I am well aware of the significant benefits of associating our brand to this event and to the lasting charitable legacy in the communities where we do business. Together with our dedicated team of railroaders and the support of our great customers, I am confident we will take this event to new heights and continue to preserve its status as the premier event on the LPGA Tour.”
Through CP’s sponsorship, the prize purse will be increased to $2.25 million USD.
A charitable component linked to the tournament to benefit the host community will be announced at a future date.
“On behalf of the LPGA Tour, I would like to congratulate both Canadian Pacific and Golf Canada on today’s exciting news regarding the Canadian Women’s Open,” said LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan. “For our players, this championship has become a must-play event and we look forward to working with Canadian Pacific to showcase the LPGA Tour to millions of golf fans in Canada, across North America and throughout the world.”
As the event enters its 42nd season on the LPGA Tour, 2014 will mark the return of the LPGA Tour to the city of London for the first time since 2006.
“We are delighted to be selected as the host venue for the inaugural Canadian Pacific Women’s Open,” said Wayne Dunn, President, London Hunt and Country Club. “Our golf course will once again provide a wonderful challenge to the stars of the LPGA Tour and we look forward to rallying with our members, 1,200 volunteers and the entire London community to deliver a world class showcase.”
“I want to thank the membership and executive at London Hunt and Country Club for serving as proud host of the 2014 Canadian Pacific Women’s Open,” said Simmons. “The 2006 event was a tremendous success and I have no doubt that the club, the golf community and the City of London will once again prove fabulous hosts for Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship.”
Two time defending champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand – who made history in 2012 and 2013 with her historic victories as the world’s top-ranked amateur golfer – will return to defend her Canadian Pacific Women’s Open title in 2014 as a professional, having recently announced her decision to turn pro.
ABOUT THE 2014 CANADIAN PACIFIC WOMEN’S OPEN
A new era for Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship has begun as stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the inaugural Canadian Pacific Women’s Open from August 18-24 at the London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ont. For information on volunteer opportunities, tickets or corporate hospitality, visit www.CPwomensopen.com, or call 1-866-571-5742.
ABOUT CANADIAN PACIFIC
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is a low-cost provider that is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit www.cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.
GOLF CANADA – LOVE THE GAME. GROW THE GAME.
Golf Canada is the National Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 340,000 golfers at nearly 1,500 member clubs across the country. A proud member of
the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Contacts:
Dan Pino
Director, Corporate Communications
Golf Canada
(p) 800-263-0009 ext. 406
(c) 416-434-5525
(e) dpino@golfcanada.ca
Ed Greenberg
Senior Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Pacific Railway
CP Media Line: 1-855-242-3674 (24/7-Toll Free)
(c) 612-849-4717
(e) ed_greenberg@cpr.ca
Kraig Kann
Chief Communications Officer
LPGA Tour
(p) 386-274-6260
(e) kraig.kann@lpga.com