Lexus Cup 2006, Singapore

Toyota Motor Asia Pacific and IMG announced the return of the Lexus Cup to Singapore this December. As a result of the resounding success of last year’s tournament, the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) have decided to officially sanction the event this year, adding prestige and stature to the event.

With the sanction, only the top players from the LPGA will have a chance to represent their respective teams. The Lexus Cup will also serve as the season-ending event on the LPGA Tour calendar, providing a story book finish for some of the top female golfers in the world.

Spectators will get the chance to witness a repeat of the titanic clash between the Asian and International teams at the Lexus Cup from 15-17 December on the newly renovated Garden Course at the Tanah Merah Country Club. The prestigious ladies team event will pit 12 international players against 12 players from Asia, providing local and worldwide fans the opportunity to support their favourite players and cheer for their respective teams.

Returning captain Grace Park will be leading the Asian team, and will undoubtedly be looking to wrestle the Lexus Cup from Annika Sorenstam’s International team which soundly defeated the Asian contingent at last year’s inaugural Lexus Cup.  

“Last year’s inaugural Lexus Cup had a record turnout and proved that there is significant interest in ladies golf and Lexus is excited to be part of this development and growth of the game,” said Mr. M Takemoto, President of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, “With the LPGA sanction this year, we can be sure of having an assembly of proven winners from the LPGA Tour, and spectators can look forward to a tantalizing clash of the best!”

"We are thrilled to sanction the 2006 Lexus Cup,” said LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens.  “It is a prestigious team event featuring 24 of the best players from around the world competing in a competitive and entertaining format. This will be a wonderful way to conclude a terrific 2006 season.  I know the players truly enjoyed the week in Singapore last year and am confident that fans will once again enjoy seeing some of the best players in the world compete.”

A player selection criterion has been established to ensure that the top performers during the LPGA Tour season qualify for the respective teams. The top four (4) Asian and International players from the ADT Official Money List will be picked for each team, followed by the top four (4) Asian and International players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings. The last four (4) members for each team will consist of two (2) captain’s picks and two (2) sponsor’s exemptions.

“The LPGA sanction is validation that the Lexus Cup is on its way to rival the likes of the President’s Cup,” said Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President of IMG. “It is a win-win situation for both the public and the growth of the game as more world class tournaments are staged to encourage people to take up the sport. IMG is honoured to be part of this development and looks forward to staging this prestigious and thrilling event again.”

The event is once again supported by the Singapore Sports Council and will form part of Singapore’s growing international sporting calendar.

“With more events added to the Calendar, Singaporeans will now be able to experience more world-class action at their doorsteps. We hope to grow women’s and youth’s participation in golf through their experience as a spectator and in time, converted players. It is also a process of discovering new talents and growing the talent pool.” said Daniel Metcalfe, Chief (High Participation & Industry Development Group). “Through partnerships of premium events such as this, corporate partners also stand to gain from the premium association and having a platform to articulate their corporate values.”

Sponsors for this year’s Lexus Cup include DBS Bank, Rolex and Singapore Airlines.

Captain’s picks and sponsor’s exemptions for each team will be unveiled nearer the event date.
 

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