LPGA releases complete calendar for 2003

Daytona Beach, FL (Sports Network) - The complete 2003 LPGA Tour schedule was announced Wednesday. LPGA commissioner Ty M. Votaw released the schedule as the Tour looks to build on the success of the 2002 season.

"We are extremely pleased with the strength of our 2003 schedule," said Votaw.

"It speaks volumes about the health of the LPGA and the dedication of our tournament sponsors and local communities, especially during some very challenging economic times. With nearly 50 percent of our official events having raised their purses for 2003, we are very excited to be able to offer our membership increased economic opportunities this season." The 2003 LPGA Tour schedule features 35 events, including 23 full-field tournaments and 31 official money events. The total prize money available for 2003 is $41 million, an increase of $2.255 million from last year.

"The 2003 purse increases are building on the momentum we established in 2002 with our Fans First approach, which resulted in tournament attendance increasing 12 percent, LPGA television viewership increasing more than 20 percent and LPGA.com traffic increasing 51 percent in page views during the season, 38 percent in unique visitors and 200 percent in registered users," said Votaw.

The 2003 schedule features several highlights, including the eighth edition of The Solheim Cup at Barseback Golf & Country Club in Malmo, Sweden. The LPGA also returns to Las Vegas this year with the LPGA Takefuji Classic and a new event will be featured this season, the Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill in Williamsburg, Virginia.