The LPGA Tour returns to Phoenix this month for the third go around of the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. The tournament once again will be held at the esteemed Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, and will be played March 12-17, 2013, a perfect time to watch some world class golf while enjoying the fantastic spring weather that Arizona has to offer.

Defending champ and current World No. 1 golfer Yani Tseng will be back to defend her title, but will be pushed by a strong field that is expected to include top golfers like Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and 2012 Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis.

“All of the golfers love coming to play here in Phoenix, that is why we traditionally have one of the best fields on Tour,” said Tournament Director Chris Garrett. “Combine that with the fact that there are so many LPGA Tour players who live here in the Valley and this is the first LPGA tournament of the season on American soil, and it’s no wonder our field is so strong.”

The tournament has grown and evolved nicely since its inception in 2011, which was a 54-hole tournament won by Karrie Webb that saw all of the prize money donated to players’ charities. The tournament upgraded to a 72-hole, full-field tournament last year and now is a regular fixture on the LPGA Tour, thanks to title sponsor RR Donnelley.

“RR Donnelley has been a great title sponsor for this tournament,” said Garrett. “They strive to make this tournament a must-attend event year in and year out and they are committed to keeping this tournament here in the Valley for a long time.”

Along with watching some of the best female golfers in the world, there are a few new elements added this year to enhance the overall fan experience.

The first is the addition of another hospitality area, the Pioneer Pavilion, to the numerous ticket options and packages that are available. The Pioneer Pavilion is an elevated viewing area located on the ninth green, and includes one ticket per day, food and beverage vouchers (Thursday through Sunday), a tournament merchandise gift card and option to buy valet parking.

“We really think the fans will enjoy the Pioneer Pavilion, it’s a great way to get a golf hospitality feel at an affordable price,” stated Garrett.

Something else new for 2013 is the Girls Golf Kid Zone, which will be located at the main tournament entrance. The Kid Zone will have fun activities for children like a rock climbing wall, bounce house and face painting; plus tethered hot air balloon rides will be offered Friday afternoon courtesy of Rainbow Ryders.

“Our tournament is extremely fan-friendly, and with so many families and kids in attendance, we wanted to offer up some other fun options like the Kids Zone to keep them entertained,” Garrett said. 

The tournament gets underway with practice rounds on Tuesday, March 12, and then the ever-popular Official Pro-Am on Wednesday, March 13, that will feature the LPGA pro’s along with some special celebrity guest players that will be announced the day before the Pro-Am. 

“The Pro-Am is always a special day for fans, they really get a chance to interact with the players and it’s a great chance for kids and adults alike to get autographs from their favorite players,” Garrett said. “The golfers really appreciate the support they receive from fans, and know the importance they play in helping to grow the Tour.”

Following the Wednesday Pro-Am, it’s all about the golf with tournament play beginning early Thursday morning for the first round, and concluding on Sunday afternoon at Wildfire Golf Club.

Along with the new Pioneer Pavilion, there are plenty of other unique hospitality and ticket packages to help enhance each spectator’s tournament experience – from the traditional daily and weekly tickets, to specialized upgraded ticket packages and hospitality opportunities – with tickets starting as low as $25 for a daily general admission ticket or $75 for a weekly badge that includes a $50 tournament merchandise gift card.

The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup was established to honor the 13 original Founders of the LPGA Tour, as well as to help provide a future for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, which has received more than $1 million from tournament proceeds in the last two years. 

“The charity aspect of our tournament is extremely important and something we are really proud of,” Garrett said. “We are thrilled to be able to help support and create awareness for a great charity like Girls Golf, and we hope to raise even more money for that organization in 2013.”

General tournament parking has moved for 2013, and now will be located at Horse Lovers Park on Tatum Road, just southwest of the Loop 101, with free shuttles running all day. Also, as in years past, children ages 17 and under are admitted free with a paid adult, and all active military will receive free admission with valid active military identification.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.LPGAFoundersCup.com or by phone at 1 (888) LGPATIX, and are also available at PGA Superstores and Van’s Golf Shops Valley-wide.

Whether you are a diehard golf fan, a casual sports fan, or a parent looking for a fun way to entertain the entire family, there really is something for everyone at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.