SAN DIEGO – Catriona Matthew of Scotland secured her place in the Samsung World Championship field after claiming victory at the RICOH Women’s British Open, the final major of the LPGA Tour season. With her 3-under-par 285, Matthew was the only player to finish the championship under par.
“I never expected to get in the Samsung World Championship this year. It’s really fantastic,” said Matthew, whose win at the RICOH Women’s British Open was her first major championship title and the third LPGA victory of her career. “I haven’t played in the Samsung World Championship for a couple years, and I’m really looking forward to being back there.”
Matthew joins Eun-Hee Ji, Anna Nordqvist, Brittany Lincicome, Paula Creamer and Lorena Ochoa all of whom have already qualified to play in the Samsung World Championship. Ji birdied the final hole of the U.S. Women’s Open to claim the victory and a spot in the Samsung World Championship; Nordqvist qualified by capturing the McDonald’s LPGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola; Lincicome secured her trip to San Diego by winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship; Creamer earned her spot as the defending champion, while Ochoa qualified as the 2008 Vare Trophy winner.
Celebrating its 29th year in 2009, the Samsung World Championship is a 72-hole, stroke-play tournament featuring an elite 20-player field that includes the winners of the season’s four LPGA majors – the Kraft Nabisco Championship, McDonald’s LPGA Championship Presented by Coca-Cola, the U.S. Women’s Open, and the RICOH Women’s British Open. The field also includes the previous year’s Vare Trophy winner, the LPGA Tour’s current money list leader and the Samsung World Championship defending champion. A berth in the field is also awarded by the Championship selection committee to the leading player from the Ladies European Tour (LET), other leading money winners from the LPGA Tour’s current year, as well as one sponsor invitation.
For tickets or general information about the Samsung World Championship call (888) 345-LPGA (5742) or visit the Web site at www.samsung.com/golf.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices in 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
About the Ladies Professional Golf Association
The LPGA features a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP). Today’s LPGA Tour features the most talented global group of professional athletes who, in 2009, will compete in a minimum of 28 official money events in 10 countries with total prize money of more than $50 million. In addition to its dynamic Tour members, 1,200 certified LPGA T&CP members serve the golf industry in 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 Torrey Pines Golf Courses
Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Courses were envisioned by legendary course architect William P. Bell to be wind and sea swept golf courses that would afford golfers both rugged play and breathtaking surroundings. His son William F. Bell ensured and oversaw the completion of the north and south courses which opened in 1957.
Both courses test a player’s skill with tight fairways, lush rough, as well as trees, bunkers, sand and often challenging weather conditions. Both courses have many breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean that caresses the rugged coastline laying below the parallel fairways. In addition, majestic views of huge natural canyon complement the ocean horizon. Both courses play host to the Buick Invitational and the Junior World Championship each year.
In 2001, celebrated golf course designer Rees Jones was given the task of remodeling the South Course, an endeavor that has been met with almost universal acclaim. Now an impressive 7,702 yards in length, the Torrey Pines South Course hosted the 2008 USGA United States Open Championship “a Duel for the Ages.”
Torrey Pines has long been recognized as one of the nation’s premier golf facilities. Often referred to as a “golfer’s paradise.” Torrey Pines North and South Courses are municipal courses, owned and maintained by the City of San Diego. In addition to the North and South championship courses, facilities include a driving range, practice putting greens, food/beverage carts and a restaurant/grill at the Lodge at Torrey Pines which is adjacent to the golf course. The golf shop at Torrey Pines (one of the largest green-grass golf shops in the US), offers an expansive array of golf merchandise, golf clubs and shoe rentals, hand and power golf carts. Group and individual golf lessons are offered by the pro shop staff.
For more information about Torrey Pines you can log onto www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/golf/torreypines/ or call 858-581-7171.
