LPGA Brings New Event to Florida in 2020
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2019-07-10
By THE LPGA
BELLEAIR, Florida — The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced that a new tournament, the Pelican Women’s Championship Presented by DEX Imaging, will be added to the 2020 season. The event will be held May 11-17, 2020, at Pelican Golf Club located in the waterfront town of Belleair, 45 minutes outside downtown Tampa. The tournament will feature a full field of 144 players, competing for a US$1.75 million purse.
Since founding DEX Imaging in 2002, the Doyle family has created a legacy of giving back to the community through their philanthropic efforts and generosity to local nonprofits. They also have incorporated close ties to local professional sports teams into their business strategy including partnerships with the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), the Buccaneers (NFL) and the Lightning (NHL).
“We are so excited to bring a new LPGA Tour event to the Tampa area with the help of a presenting sponsor that shares the LPGA’s values of giving back to the community and providing equal opportunities for women through the sport,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “Golf fans can look forward to seeing the best female players on the planet being tested by a world-class venue in Pelican Golf Club, which also happens to have a Director of Women’s Golf! We could not be happier with this partnership that brings together the LPGA, the Doyle family, DEX Imaging and Pelican Golf Club.”
Pelican Golf Club, formerly known as Belleview Biltmore Golf Club, underwent major renovations to upgrade its facilities after the purchase by Dan Doyle Sr. and Dan Doyle Jr. was completed in 2017. Originally designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1925, The Beau Welling Design group oversaw the renovation project, re-establishing the stylistic elements of a golden age golf course while also improving its playability.
“When we embarked on the complete renovation of Pelican Golf Club, we did so with the goal of bringing the best of professional golf to the Tampa area,” said Dan Doyle Jr., President and CEO of DEX Imaging, and co-owner of Pelican Golf Club. “We are excited and honored to welcome the finest golfers in the world to our championship course for next year’s inaugural event. Hosting the LPGA at Pelican is a perfect opportunity to support the LPGA and women’s professional golf and shine a spotlight on our community and all it has to offer.”
The Pelican Women’s Golf Championship is operated by Eiger Marketing Group, a global marketing and event management agency. Eiger owns and operates LPGA tournaments including the HUGEL-AIR PREMIA LA Open in Los Angeles and the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer in Atlantic City, as well as a number of other sporting and lifestyle events throughout the year.
“There is tremendous momentum in women’s golf and we are excited to work with the LPGA, the Doyle Family, Pelican Golf Club and DEX Imaging on this brand new event,” said Tim Erensen, managing partner at Eiger Marketing Group. “It is a mission of Pelican Golf Club to be inclusive, so when Director of Golf Justin Sheehan suggested an LPGA event, the Doyle family quickly jumped on board. This tournament will be an amazing platform for Pelican and the stars of the LPGA to showcase their talents and we look forward to delivering a memorable, first-class experience for all involved.”
Please visit www.PelicanLPGA.com for more information on sponsorships, Pro-Am, ticket sales and volunteer registration.