LPGA to own and operate LPGA Championship beginning in 2010

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md., - Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens and Herb Lotman, co-founder of McDonald's sponsorship of the McDonald's LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, today jointly announced an ownership change in one of the LPGA's longest-running and highest-profile tournaments. Effective with the 2010 championship, the LPGA will own and operate the event, marking the first time in its history the LPGA will own its players' championship.

"This truly is a momentous day for the LPGA, as it marks the first time in our history that we will own one of our Majors," said Bivens during a press conference at the 2008 McDonald's LPGA Championship. "As we have done with the LPGA-owned and operated ADT Championship and The Solheim Cup when in the United States, we are committed to ensuring the LPGA Championship is a best-in-class tournament, worthy of showcasing the best golfers in the world.

"Honoring and celebrating our past - and doing so with an eye toward the future - is what makes our game so special," continued Bivens. "Working with visionaries and philanthropic stalwarts like Herb (Lotman) has prepared the LPGA to undertake this new challenge of owning the LPGA Championship."

Lotman and the championship staff have partnered with the LPGA since 1981 when they founded the McDonald's Kids Classic. It evolved into the McDonald's Championship and, with the staging of the 1994 event was elevated to major status as the McDonald's LPGA Championship.

"With all of the pride in my heart and passion for the LPGA, I announce to you that I am turning over the keys, and ownership and management of the LPGA Championship, effective with the 2010 event, to Commissioner Carolyn Bivens and the LPGA," said Lotman to the media gathered for the press conference.

"The LPGA is strengthening its position with ownership and management of a select group of events, which have generated tremendous excitement, raised the level of play, and most importantly, increased awareness of this wonderful game and the incredible womoen who play it," continued Lotman. "The LPGA Championship is a natural fit to add to this portfolio. In our final year of ownership, we look forward to producing another successful championship at Bulle Rock in 2009."

The 2008 edition of the McDonald's LPGA Championship was won by Yani Tseng of Taiwan, who beame the first rookie in 10 years to win a major. Tseng beat Maria Hjorth on the fourth hole of a playoff with a 5-foot birdie on the 18th hole to win the LPGA Championship.

Bivens announced several major modifications to the championship structure beginning in 2010 which include: The LPGA Championship will not have a corporate sponsor but may have a presenting sponsor. The purse for the 2010 LPGA Championship will be $3 million. The venue for the 2010 LPGA Championship has not been determined yet. The LPGA is reviewing this and will make an announcement when a decision is made. Also, the Ronald McDonald House Charities will remain one of the beneficiaries of the LPGA Championship.