Local amateur Monday Qualifier added; Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida new beneficiary of tournament

SARASOTA Fla., February 10, 2016 - The Epson Tour, Road to the LPGA, announced today at a press conference at Sara Bay Country Club that the Guardian Retirement Championship at Sara Bay will return the week of April 18-24. First round play will begin on Friday, April 22 and the tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 24.

The top 144 aspiring LPGA Tour stars will compete for a $110,000 tournament purse with the winner earning $16,500.

“We are proud to extend our partnership of the Guardian Retirement Championship at Sara Bay with the Epson Tour for the fourth consecutive year,” said Michael B. Cefole, Senior Vice President, Guardian Retirement Solutions™. “Like Guardian, the Epson Tour aids in the preparation for long-term success. Guardian knows that takes hard work, commitment and a steady vision, qualities exemplified by these outstanding players. Our successful collaboration with the Epson Tour also gives us the opportunity to make a positive impact in local communities.”

The Guardian Retirement Championship, which dates back to 2012, will have a new twist in 2016.

Tournament Director Ryan Ronk announced at the press conference that there will be a Monday Qualifier on April 18 at Sara Bay Country Club open to female amateur golfers. The player with the lowest score will earn entry into the Guardian Retirement Championship. Based on LPGA and Epson Tour regulations, amateurs must have a USGA handicap index of 4.0 or less (or comparable handicap provided by a governing body of golf outside the United States). The Monday Qualifier will begin at 11 a.m. There will be a maximum of 60 players.

“We’re excited to offer female amateur golfers in the Sarasota/Bradenton and surrounding areas an opportunity to earn entry into a professional golf tournament,” said Tournament Director Ryan Ronk. “The Guardian Retirement Championship has become a fixture in the community and we think adding a local qualifier will only engage the community even more.”

The new charitable benefactor of the event is Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. All proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the hospital, which has served the community since 1994.

“Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida appreciates this wonderful partnership opportunity,” said Skip Leonard, chief foundation officer for Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. “Event proceeds will be an investment in the health and well-being of future generations as we continue to provide young patients with lifesaving and life-changing medical care.”

In addition to the Monday Qualifier, the tournament will also host a free junior clinic in partnership with USGA/LPGA Girls Golf program and The First Tee of Sarasota and Manatee counties. The clinic will take place on Monday, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Suncoast Golf Center located at 7741 15th Street E, Sarasota, FL 34243.

Hally Leadbetter, the daughter of renowned teaching professional David Leadbetter, who works with top LPGA players Lydia Ko and Michelle Wie, was announced last week as one of the sponsor exemptions. Leadbetter was a WGCA Second Team All-American at Rollins College following the 2014-15 season. She played her high school golf at the IMG Academy in Bradenton.

For more information about the event, contact Ryan Ronk at Ryan.Ronk@lpga.com.

Guardian Retirement Championship Returns to Sara Bay for Fifth Year

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