LPGA Tour’s Safeway Classic to Go ahead

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour will conduct the Safeway Classic, Sept. 14-16, at the Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland, Ore. However, if there is a national day of mourning, the tournament format will be shortened to allow LPGA players to participate in this national show of respect and honor.

‘After much thought, discussion and consideration of guidance from the tournament organizer, players and local and state officials, the LPGA Tour has decided to follow President George W. Bush’s admonition to start to get our country back to normal so the healing can begin,’ said Ty M. Votaw, commissioner of the LPGA. ‘For this reason, and to honor those who died, the LPGA Tour players will compete this weekend.

‘The LPGA Foundation, funded in part by player pro-am monies, will make a significant contribution in support of the rescue and relief efforts, and the LPGA will encourage its staff and players to make personal donations to these efforts,’ said Votaw.

‘Another factor that weighed in as part of our decision is that the Safeway Classic raises hundreds of thousands of dollars that benefit local charities, funds that these important charitable organizations depend on to assist those in need. We also did not want to let them down,’ said Votaw.

To honor and recognize the victims and survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., members of the LPGA Tour competing in the Safeway Classic will wear black clothing or black ribbons during the competition this weekend.

‘The LPGA family joins the rest of a shocked nation in sharing the grief and sympathy of those involved in the tragic events of yesterday and of the country at large,’ said Votaw. ‘Our thoughts and prayers have been with the victims and their families and friends since the news of yesterday’s tragedies began to unfold.’

For further information please contact:
Leslie King
LPGA
+1 386-274-6270