Safeway Classic Exemption Goes to Allison Hanna

The Safeway Classic announced today that its second sponsor’s exemption for the 2005 event will go to local LPGA pro Allison Hanna. Hanna, a non-exempt player on the LPGA tour and a Futures Tour member, also played in the 2004 Safeway Classic.

Hanna fills a spot that was originally set aside for the winner of the US Amateur. That event was won on Sunday by Morgan Pressel. Pressel has already accepted six exemptions into LPGA events this year, the total allowed under tour rules.

“We want to congratulate Morgan on her great win in the US Amateur,” said Tom Maletis, President of Tournament Golf Foundation, the LPGA event owners and organizers. “Although she will be unable to join us, it creates an opportunity for us to reward a local professional who has grown up in junior golf here in Oregon.”

Hanna was an All-American at Ohio State University and currently ranks 19th in earnings so far this year on the Futures Tour. The other sponsor’s exemption was won in a one day qualifying tournament by Oregon high school golfer Rebecca Kim, who beat an impressive field of entrants, including Hanna for the right to play in the Classic.

The Safeway Classic will be held in Portland, Oregon the week of August 15-21 at Columbia Edgewater Country Club. For more information, visit www.safewaygolf.com.