www.manulifeclassic.ca
@ManulifeClassic
WATERLOO, ON, Nov. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The third annual Manulife Financial
LPGA Classic will be held June 4-8 at Grey Silo Golf Course in
Waterloo, Ontario. Over its first two years, the tournament has
attracted more than 125,000 spectators making it one of the most
well-attended events on the LPGA Tour. In 2014, the tournament will
return to a June date.
"We felt that the earlier summer date will make it even more convenient
for fans to make their summer plans around the tournament," stated
tournament director Richard Kuypers. "The support from title sponsor
Manulife Financial has been incredible, and also from what we think are
the greatest fans and volunteers in the world. Each year the event gets
bigger and better, and we are on track for 2014's event to be the best
yet."
In 2013, South Korean Hee Young Park out-lasted all other competitors
and won in a three-hole playoff. This was the event's second three-hole
playoff finish in as many years. Park joined Texas native Brittany
Lang, who won the inaugural tournament in 2012, as champions in
Waterloo.
"Many of the best female golfers travel to Waterloo to compete in this
world-class tournament," said Marianne Harrison, President and CEO,
Manulife Canada. "This is a testament to the caliber of this
international event, which is created in partnership and collaboration
with the community."
In just two years, the event has received rave reviews from spectators,
volunteers, and players. "Manulife has done an amazing job promoting
this event to such a high-level in its first two years," said Lang, who
competed in the tournament last year as well. "The volunteer and local
community support is tremendous and the crowds in Waterloo are some of
the most impressive on Tour. We love playing the track at Grey Silo and
always look forward to exciting golf."
In a recent announcement, the LPGA indicated that the winner of the Golf Channel's reality show
"Big Break Florida" will receive an exemption into the Manulife
Financial LPGA Classic.
On November 25, volunteer registration will open and tickets will be
available for purchase. For information, visit manulifeclassic.ca.
About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group
with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States.
Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and
forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial
decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and
distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management
products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset
management services to institutional customers. Funds under management
by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$574.6 billion
(US$558.7 billion) as at September 30, 2013. The Company operates as
Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in
the United States.
Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE,
and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the
Internet at manulife.com.
About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for
women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and
storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29
different countries.
With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing
the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour professionals compete across
the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP)
directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The
Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the
world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web
via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.
About Sports Properties International
Sports Properties International was created to provide an environment
where communities and spectacular sporting events can come together,
connected by a common interest. Sports Properties International can be
found on the Internet at www.sportspropertiesinternational.com.
About Bruno Event Team
Bruno Event Team (BET) is a Birmingham, Alabama-based sports marketing
and event management company formed in 1996 by Ronald Bruno and Gene
Hallman. Bruno Event Team is experienced in all facets of event
management, employing a year-round staff of 80+ employees in twelve
offices around the United States and two offices in Canada. Bruno Event
Team services each client with expertise in strategic planning,
marketing, advertising, public and media relations, ticket and
merchandise sales, sponsor relations, hospitality consulting, event
operations, event financial planning/accounting and volunteer
coordination. Visit www.brunoeventteam.com for additional information.
SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation
