Golf season is in full swing in the Valley of the Sun and the action heats up this month as the LPGA Founders Cup tees it up once again at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, March 18 - 23, 2014. This fan-friendly event is in its fourth year in Phoenix and offers the chance to watch world-class golf in a fabulous setting while enjoying the fantastic spring weather that Arizona has to offer. 

Last year’s champion Stacy Lewis will be back to defend her title, but will be challenged by a traditionally strong field that is expected to include top American golfers like Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Lexi Thompson and Lizette Salas, as well as 2013 Rolex Player of the Year and World No. 1 golfer Inbee Park, and a majority of the top-ranked women’s golfers in the world.

“Phoenix always has been one of the favorite stops for the players on the LPGA Tour, and that is one of the many reasons the LPGA Founders Cup typically has one of the best fields on Tour,” said Executive Director Chris Garrett. 

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 various player charities. The tournament upgraded to a 72-hole, full-field tournament two years ago and now is a regular fixture on the LPGA Tour, thanks to the support of the Phoenix golf community. 

One thing that sets the LPGA Founders Cup apart from other golf tournaments in the Valley is the ability for fans to get close to the action and the interaction they can have with the players.  

“Our tournament is extremely fan friendly, and it’s not uncommon to see players interacting with fans young and old throughout the week,” Garrett said. “The golfers appreciate the support they receive from fans, and they go out of their way to acknowledge them and make them feel like a part of the action.”

Wildfire is a fantastic venue to host a golf event, and the Founders Cup staff has created some 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, hospitality and entertainment opportunities, as well as an exclusive chance to play golf side-by-side with your favorite LPGA players in the Wednesday Pro-Am.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our fan experience, and with the packages we put together this year, there really is something for everyone,” Garrett said. 

The tournament gets underway with practice rounds on Tuesday, March 18, and then the ever-popular Official Pro-Am on Wednesday, March 19, that will feature the LPGA pro’s along with some special celebrity guest players who 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. 

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.

The 2014 edition of the LPGA Founders Cup features plenty of great ticket and hospitality options – from the traditional daily and weekly tickets, to specialized upgraded ticket packages and hospitality opportunities. Tickets start as low as $25 for a daily general admission ticket or just $50 for a weekly badge that is good all week, but keep in mind; ticket prices will go up if purchased at the gate the week of the tournament.

Upgraded tickets are available in the Pioneer Pavilion tent located on the ninth green that offers complimentary drinks and light snacks for just $40 for a single day pass or $120 for the entire week; and the Founders Club tent, which is located on the 18th green and includes complimentary food and beverage for just $75 for a single day or $200 for the entire week.

The 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 $1.5 million from tournament proceeds in the last three years. 

“The charity aspect of our tournament is extremely important and something we are really proud of,” Garrett said. “We are thrilled to pay it forward to a great charity like Girls Golf, and our goal is to help grow and enhance the future of women’s golf.”

So important to the future of women’s golf that Stacy Lewis announced a donation of $50,000 to Girls Golf after she won here in 2013.

“Stacy is a great champion for our tournament, not just for what she does on the course, but what she does off of it as well,” Garrett said.  “She proved that with her donation last year, which was a very special moment.”

Whether you are a diehard golfer, 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 LPGA Founders Cup. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.LPGAFoundersCup.com or at Van’s Golf Shops, the Official Ticket Outlet for the 2014 LPGA Founders Cup.