HOUSTON - President George H.W. Bush's passion for the game of golf and his hometown of Houston, Texas are both well documented, and he and First Lady Barbara Bush are looking forward to combining those passions this Fall as they serve as honorary chairpeople for the LPGA Tour Championship presented by Rolex.
The LPGA Tour Championship presented by Rolex will be hosted by The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, the sister club to the Bush's home club, November 17-22, 2009.
"The LPGA is extremely honored to have President and First Lady Bush supporting and representing our Tour Championship, and all of women's golf, in this capacity," said LPGA Acting Commissioner Marty Evans. "We are thrilled to be returning to the Houston area and are thankful for the tremendous support we have already received from the community, including the support shown by President and First Lady Bush serving as Honorary Chairpeople."
The Bush family, long-time residents and supporters of the Houston area and various local charitable projects, have also been heavily involved in the game of golf over the years. President Bush serves as Honorary Chairman for The First Tee, a national program that promotes character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The Walker Cup, the international team amateur competition, is named in honor of George Herbert Walker, the grandfather and namesake of President George Herbert Walker Bush.
"Barbara and I are thrilled that the LPGA Tour Championship is coming to Houston. We have great interest in and great respect for women's golf and it will be fun for us to have them in our hometown," said President Bush. "We also are delighted the LPGA will get to experience the great hospitality that is uniquely Houston. It will be a great week for all who love golf and all who love Houston."
The LPGA boasts a strong history in Texas, with some of the biggest names in women's golf winning tournaments including Nancy Lopez, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam. Apart from Houston hosting the Samsung World Championship in 2003, the last full-field LPGA Tour event held in the city was in 1986. The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship presented by Rolex not only marks the long-awaited return of the LPGA Tour to Houston, but also brings perhaps the most prestigious women's golf tournament in the area's long sports history.
"The President and First Lady are wonderful advocates for Houston and giving back to our community as showcased by their involvement in so many charitable endeavors," said Bob Henricksen, CEO of The Redstone Companies. "They've been a part of our Redstone family for years and we couldn't be more appreciative and honored to have their support."
The LPGA Tour Championship presented by Rolex will be broadcast on the Golf Channel from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22.
The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, owned by The Redstone Companies, opened in November, 1999 and was designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Rees Jones. Among its many accolades, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club was proud host of the 2006 Nationwide Tour Championship.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women's professional golf. LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game through teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf. The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world. Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla. For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.
About IMG
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.
About The Redstone Companies
The Redstone Companies is a privately owned company located in Houston, Texas with a focus on hospitality, real estate and private equity. Redstone Companies Hospitality brands include The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa; Houstonian Lite; Shadow Hawk Golf Club; The Houstonian Golf & Country Club; Redstone Golf Club, and BlackHorse Golf Club. The Real estate division is Redstone Real Estate and the Private Equity group is Redstone Capital Partners.
Contacts:
Dave Haggith
IMG Golf
Cell: (416) 629-6474
dave.haggith@imgworld.com
David Higdon
LPGA
Tel: (386) 843-0073
david.higdon@lpga.com
Kim Phillips
The Redstone Companies
Tel: (713) 268-8094
kphillips@redstonecompanies.com
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