The LPGA announced Tuesday that Manulife Financial has signed a three-year agreement to sponsor a new tournament beginning in 2012. The Manulife Financial LPGA Classic will take place June 21-24, 2012, at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The tournament will feature a field of 144 players and 72 holes of stroke play.
Manulife Financial is a Canadian-based financial services company.
“Manulife Financial and the Waterloo region are a perfect fit with the LPGA,” said LPGA commissioner Mike Whan. “Manulife is a world wide leader in the financial services sector and like the LPGA it has a global presence that will help build connections to this tournament from around the world.”
Said Brian Gooding, senior vice president of distribution for Manulife: “I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to sponsor this exciting new tournament, and to have the opportunity to play an active role in bringing a world-class golf event to Waterloo Region’s doorstep.”
The Manulife Financial LPGA Classic adds to a long tradition of the LPGA in Canada, most notably joining the CN Canadian Women’s Open, which has been on the LPGA schedule since 1976.