A full field LPGA tournament will return to Indianapolis next year, an announcement made today at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Unveiled as the Indy Women in Tech Championship presented by Guggenheim, the tournament will debut at IMS’ Brickyard Crossing Golf Course Sept. 4 – 10, 2017. LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, CEO of Guggenheim Life Dan Towriss and former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard were on hand for the announcement and represent the partnership responsible for bringing the LPGA back to Indianapolis.
Guggenheim announced its support as title sponsor of the event, with a focus on shining a spotlight on the city of Indianapolis through the LPGA Tour’s national and global reach. The event will take on the unique proposition of providing awareness and funding for specific women and tech initiatives, particularly those focused on robotics, STEM days and career transitioning for those re-entering the workforce.
“With our growing presence and connection to the city of Indianapolis, we continue to be committed to the important cause of women in tech but also giving back to the community we live and work in,” stated Dan Towriss, CEO of Guggenheim Life.
Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who was instrumental in bringing the event to fruition, shared his enthusiasm in showcasing the city’s commitment to being a leader in the forefront of technology.
“The IWIT Championship will allow us to shine a new light on Indianapolis—as a hub and leader in the technology sector,” said former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “I applaud Guggenheim’s commitment to Indianapolis, and am particularly excited to promote our city as a destination for both businesses and top talent to the rest of the world.”
The LPGA will make its return to Brickyard Crossing Golf Course next September for the first time since 1968 when the course hosted the 500 Ladies Classic, a one-time LPGA event. The course features four holes inside the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the world’s largest annual single-day sporting event—the Indianapolis 500.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a world-class destination for events of all types and the Brickyard Crossing will be a fantastic course to showcase the stars of the LPGA,” stated Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President. “We’re extremely excited to be working hand in hand with Guggenheim.
Mayor Ballard and the LPGA to bring women’s professional golf back to Indy while also supporting a worthy cause.”LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan was joined by players Morgan Pressel, Paula Creamer, Gerina Piller and Danah Bordner for the announcement event, held today at the Yard of Bricks—IMS’ iconic start-finish line. Whan voiced his excitement in bringing the Tour back to Brickyard Crossing.
“This course and this venue are unlike any other on the LPGA Tour today,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “The IWIT Championship promises to be an exciting race of its own with the world’s best female golfers competing right here in the heart of Indianapolis.”
The official LPGA tournament will feature 144 of the LPGA’s top talent in a four-day stroke-play event (Sept. 7 – 10, 2017) vying for a $2 million purse. Tickets for the event will go on sale Nov. 14 at www.IWITChamp.com.
