The Thunderbirds Named Founding Partner of Ford Championship presented by KCC

The Thunderbirds Named Founding Partner of Ford Championship presented by KCC

As part of tournament partnership, official purse increased to $2.25 million

GILBERT, Ariz. – The Ford Championship presented by KCC today announced that The Thunderbirds have joined the tournament family as a Founding Partner. As part of its relationship, The Thunderbirds have dedicated $250,000 to the tournament purse, bringing the weekly total to $2.25 million and the LPGA Tour season-long combined total to $119.8 million.

The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open presented by Taylor Morrison, will also support efforts by the LPGA Foundation, including junior clinics and providing opportunities for junior volunteers.

“We’re extremely proud to be a Founding Partner of the Ford Championship presented by KCC and to be a part of the historic tradition of LPGA events in the Valley of the Sun,” said Pat Williams, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “We are equally excited to partner with the LPGA in an effort to continue growing the game of golf and giving back to the community. We look forward to seeing the world’s best golfers tee it up at Seville Golf and Country Club later this month.”

“We are thrilled to partner with The Thunderbirds for the Ford Championship presented by KCC,” said Scott Wood, vice president of LPGA Properties. “As a long-time Phoenix resident myself, it’s great to have the partnership of a group that has done so much for this community. I have no doubt that The Thunderbirds will be tremendous partners as we work together to elevate women’s golf and bring this great event to life.”

The 2024 Ford Championship presented by KCC will be held March 28-31 at Seville Golf and Country Club. Fans can purchase tickets or view details on ticket options at SeatGeek.com. Daily General Admission tickets are $40, with four-day General Admission passes on sale for $95. Additionally, tickets to the Trophy Bar at 17th Green, a pavilion with incredible views of the 16th green and the featured 17th-hole island green, are $175 for single-day access and $600 for four-day access. The Trophy Bar at 17th Green includes a shared food and beverage service, as well as access to an upgraded restroom.

To honor those who serve our country in the United States Armed Forces, the LPGA is pleased to offer both current and former members of the U.S. Military and certain guests complimentary grounds tickets regardless of sell-out. Click here for information on military tickets. Additionally, juniors aged 17 and under will receive complimentary admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on junior tickets, visit SeatGeek.com.

The LPGA Tour is no stranger to competing in Arizona, visiting the Grand Canyon State more than 70 times since its inception in 1950. Most recently, Celine Boutier captured the 2023 Drive On Championship at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club for the first of her four victories in 2023. This will mark the first professional competition held at Seville Golf and Country Club, which includes LPGA Tour Member Alena Sharp among its membership.

About the LPGA

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s premier women’s professional golf organization. Created in 1950 by 13 pioneering female Founders, the LPGA, whose members now represent over 60 countries, is the longest-standing professional women’s sports organization. Through the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour, a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Professionals, the LPGA provides female professionals the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the game of golf at the highest level. In addition to its professional tours and teaching accreditation programs, the LPGA features a fully integrated Foundation, which offers best-in-class programming for female golfers through its junior golf programming and LPGA Amateurs chapters, tournaments and membership. LPGA aims to use its unique platform to inspire, transform and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course.

Follow the LPGA online at www.LPGA.com and on its mobile apps. Join the social conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About the LPGA Tour

The LPGA Tour is the world’s leading competitive destination for the best female professional golfers in the world. The Tour hosts more than 30 annual events across 12 countries and regions for over 200 Active Players, awarding total prize funds exceeding $100 million and reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. Follow the LPGA Tour on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel.

About Ford

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About KCC

KCC is a global advanced materials chemical company with a diverse range of business areas, including building materials, paints, organic and inorganic composite materials, and silicone, with a total of 77 affiliates and subsidiaries in 24 countries around the world, including the United States of America. In particular, it is expanding its scale and business area as a global company by acquiring Momentive, an American global silicone company, in 2019. Among its major business areas, they are supplying paints to various industries such as architecture, automobile, and shipbuilding.

KCC is expanding its production and sales network overseas, especially in the United States, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Türkiye. In particular, in the case of refinish paint, they are steadily strengthening local product capabilities and local marketing, establishing a refinish color center in Dallas, Texas, USA.

About The Thunderbirds

The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports and have hosted the WM Phoenix Open for 89 years. “The People’s Open” was named Tournament of the Year at the 2023 PGA TOUR annual meetings, garnering the award for the fifth time to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members who have helped the WM Phoenix Open eclipse $190 million in charitable giving in the organization’s history (through the 2023 tournament). For more information on The Thunderbirds or the WM Phoenix Open visit www.wmphoenixopen.com.