Safeway Offering Free LPGA Tickets With Grocery Purchase

August 10, 2007, Portland, Oregon

Northwest golf fans have the chance for a great deal on tickets to the Safeway Classic this year, courtesy of their local Safeway stores. The best players on the LPGA tour will be in Portland Aug. 20-26 for the Safeway Classic, at Columbia Edgewater Country Club. For fans wanting to attend, they can get a voucher good for two free any day passes with the purchase of $35 of groceries, using a Safeway Club Card, at any Oregon or Southwest Washington Safeway store. When they arrive at the tournament, they simply present their voucher and they will receive the tickets for entry.

"We believe that our event provides a great value for area golf fans," says Tom Maletis, President of Tournament Golf Foundation, the tournament organizers. “Everyone purchases groceries, so if you want to attend the Safeway Classic and see the best women golfers in the world, here is a great way to do it, without spending any additional money."

Fans who attend the event will also have the opportunity to visit the Taste of Safeway Food Pavilion, where they can sample a wide variety of food and beverages and pick up samples of products available at local Safeway stores. Additionally for fans 21 and over, there is the 19th Hole Beer and Wine Pavilion. Located next the driving range, this venue will provide free samples from dozens of beer and wine companies.

Families can enjoy the event as well. There is plenty of seating around the course and LPGA players are available after their rounds each day for autographs.

"The LPGA is becoming more popular each year," says Maletis. "We had record crowds last year for the Safeway Classic, and expect the same again this year. With Safeway providing customers the opportunity to attend with their grocery purchases, we feel that more fans will take the opportunity to discover the excitement and entertainment value that the LPGA provides."

First held in 1972, The Safeway Classic traditionally features one of the strongest fields on the tour each year and 2007 should be no exception. The charitable proceeds from the event are directed from TGF to the Portland division chapter of the Safeway Foundation for distribution to local area charities. Last year’s tournament raised over $1 million.

Tournament Golf Foundation is a group of volunteers who donate their time and provide the primary operations for the annual event. Begun in 1972, the group is now comprised of 40 individuals and couples. TGF is also the owner and operator of the Safeway International, held in March each year near Phoenix, AZ.

For more information on the Safeway Classic and Tournament Golf Foundation, visit their website at www.safewaygolf.com.