Golf season is in full swing in the Valley of the Sun and the action heats up this month as the JTBC Founders Cup tees it up once again at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, March 17 - 22, 2015. This family-friendly event is in its fifth year in Phoenix and offers the chance to watch world-class golf in a fabulous setting while enjoying the opportunity to interact with the best women golfers in the world.

Strong Foundation, Bright Future is the mantra of the JTBC Founders Cup, and that is evident in the champions it has crowned in its four-year history. That star-studded list starts with LPGA Hall of Famer Karrie Webb, who came back from a six-shot deficit in the final round to win last year’s Founders Cup, while also winning the inaugural tournament in 2011. Yani Tseng, the World No. 1 golfer at the time won the 2012 event, while American-born Stacy Lewis won in 2013 to become the No. 1 ranked player in the world. 

While the list of champions is impressive, what really sets the JTBC Founders Cup apart is its family-friendly and kid-friendly atmosphere, and its devotion to the history of the past while helping to grow the future of the game of golf among children.

The tournament was established to honor the 13 original Founders of the LPGA Tour, but it also helps to provide a future for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, which has received more than $2 million from tournament proceeds in the last four years. 

“The Founders Cup is a celebration that has been the highlight of our year at the LPGA Foundation,” said Kiernan Schindler, Director of the LPGA Foundation. “The current, past and future of the LPGA Tour interact in ways that impact and directly affect not only the Girls Golf program on a national level but leave an indelible impression on the Girls Golf of Phoenix members who are involved in every aspect of the event. We look forward to returning to the area where Girls Golf began back in 1989 and celebrating just how far we have come!”

The greats of the game today understand the history of the LPGA Tour and how important it is to pay it forward, so it is not uncommon to see players interacting with the crowd and graciously signing autographs with fans young and old throughout the entire tournament. Whether it’s Stacy Lewis hosting a youth golf clinic on the driving range, or players like Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie taking selfies with young girls in the crowd, the JTBC Founders Cup offers a unique opportunity for fans to get close to the action and interact with their favorite LPGA Tour players.

“The players are fantastic when it comes to promoting the LPGA Tour and the Founders Cup, and we are thankful they are so supportive of our tournament and our fans,” said Tournament Director Drew Blass. “We traditionally have one of the strongest fields on Tour, and this year is no exception.”

The star-studded field already includes eight of the Top-10 players on the Rolex World Golf rankings, including commitments from 17-year-old Lydia Ko, who recently became the youngest player to reach No. 1 in the World Golf rankings.  Other Top-10 players already in the field include third-ranked Stacy Lewis, fifth-ranked Suzann Pettersen, sixth-ranked Michelle Wie and defending champ Karrie Webb, who sits ninth in the World Golf Rankings. 

Arizona State University alumnae Anna Nordqvist and Azahara Munoz also have committed to the field, along with fan favorites like Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Cristie Kerr, Jessica Korda and Brittany Lincicome.

First round play starts on Thursday, March 19, but the action really gets underway on Wednesday with the ever-popular Pro-Am. This year’s Pro-Am field includes a number of professional athletes, including Arizona Cardinals favorites Larry Fitzgerald and Patrick Peterson, as well as Chicago Bears All-Pro kicker Robbie Gould. 

“Robbie Gould participated in the Pro-Am last year and had so much fun that he immediately committed to playing again this year,” Blass said. “Larry and Patrick are joining us this year as well, and we are working on rounding out the field with a few other well-known celebrities that will be announced prior to the Pro-Am.  It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere and really gives fans the chance to interact with their favorite players.”

While golf is the main focal point of the week, there are many other activities going on that cater to the youngsters, including a healthy history walk, featured reserve kids seating and autograph signing areas.

“Our goal every year is to make the Founders Cup a great event for the entire family and we believe that we are one of the most family-friendly events in the Valley,” Blass said.

There are numerous ticket options available, from daily and weekly general admission, to upgraded hospitality ticket packages on the ninth and 18th green.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.LPGAFoundersCup.com and tournament officials suggest buying early as ticket prices will go up the week of the event. 

“The JTBC Founder’s Cup is one of the truly special events in golf,”  said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “Our LPGA Founders not only built an incredible Tour, but in doing so, left the game better for the next generation of women. Through the JTBC Founder’s Cup, we are following the lead of our founders – and ensuring that the next generation of young women get the opportunity to join this incredible game.”

Whether you are a diehard golfer, a casual sports fan, or a parent looking for a fun way to entertain the entire family, there really is something for everyone at the JTBC Founders Cup.