In 1972, Portland, Oregon businessman Elon Ellis brought 20 of his friends together for a meeting. Two hours later, he had 27 willing participants and the LPGA had found another home on its tour. Tournament Golf Inc. was formed and the Portland Classic was born. The $25,000 purse put the LPGA Tour over the $1 million mark in total prize money for the year. Today total prize money is over $46 million.

Tournament Golf Inc. is now Tournament Golf Foundation (TGF), a non-profit organization. The group is the managing organizer and is responsible for the Safeway Classic in Portland, and the Safeway International in Phoenix. Both tournaments feature a purse of $1.4 million in 2006.

While many of the faces have changed since the early years, the contributions of TGF have steadily etched an impressive chapter in the history of the LPGA. TGF is comprised of 41 Portland area volunteer business leaders and their spouses, bringing LPGA golf to Portland for 36 years. It is a one of a kind organization in the US. "We do it all," says Tom Maletis, TGF President. "TGF members head more than 40 committees that work throughout the year overseeing more than 1,000 volunteers. Course set-up, marshals, media, the pro-am, parking , concessions and even garbage detail are a few of the committees. Additionally, the men and women of TGF work throughout the year to sign up sponsors in support of the events."

In addition to showcasing the best in ladies professional golf, TGF is committed to benefiting local charities in Portland Since 1972, TGF has donated nearly $11 million to local children's charities in Oregon including Waverly Children's Home, Boys and Girls Clubs, Easter Seals, Oregon Junior Golf, Evans Scholars Foundation, the Children's Course and Police Activities League.

Tournament Golf Foundation
6775 SW 111th Ave., Suite 100
Beaverton, OR 97008
Ph: (503) 626-2711
Fax: (503) 643-3556
tgfi@safewayclassic.org