All Nippon Airways to Sponsor Rancho Mirage LPGA Tournament
Greater Palm Springs, CA (PRWEB) November 21, 2014 -- All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s leading airline, has signed on as the title sponsor for the LPGA Tour's first major of the season. The newly-named ANA INSPIRATION will be held March 30 – April 5, 2015, and will continue to be played at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, home of the event since 1972.
ANA, which operates 72 international routes and 13 daily flights between North America and Japan, was also named the Official Airline of the LPGA.
The announcement ensures a bright future for the historic tournament formerly known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship, where the winner annually jumps into Poppie’s Pond next to the 18th green before donning the Champion’s Robe. The long-term agreement between the LPGA, IMG and ANA begins in 2015 with an increase in the tournament purse to $2.5 million. Additional increases are scheduled over the first four years enabling the total purse to reach $3 million.
ANA will unveil activities surrounding the major championship’s theme of inspiration leading up to the tournament in 2015.
While the event will take on a new name, the history and tradition of the LPGA’s first major of the season will remain. ANA, the LPGA and IMG are committed to celebrating the tournament’s heritage as players will continue to compete for the Dinah Shore Trophy on the Dinah Shore Championship course at Mission Hills.
Greater Palm Springs is home to several major professional sporting events. In January, the PGA Tour Humana Challenge takes place January 19-25, 2015. The tournament features Pro-Am play for the first 54 holes with the final round of the 72-hole PGA TOUR tournament at the Palmer Private at PGA WEST.
The BNP Paribas Open, the largest ATP and WTA combined tournament outside of the four majors, is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Celebrating its 40th year, the BNP Paribas Open takes place March 9-22, 2015.
About Greater Palm Springs, California
Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s premier resort and golf destination. Discover a place of many experiences and surprises in nine distinctive cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. As a respite for mind, body and spirit, Greater Palm Springs is ready to provide you with an unparalleled sense of escape, adventure, recreation, relaxation and your own unique way to play--anytime of the year.
For more information on Greater Palm Springs, go to http://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.
Joyce Kiehl, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, http://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com, +1 (760) 969-1338, [email protected]
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