When six local community leaders committed $25,000 each to secure the purse for the first Samaritan Turquoise Classic, none could have predicted the growth the tournament would experience.

The tournament began in 1980 as a one-day Pro-Am, the Samaritan Corning-PGE LPGA Pro-Am. With the financial commitment of the tournament founders, the one-day Pro-Am turned into a full-fledged tournament in 1983 when Banner Health Foundation signed on with the LPGA to sponsor the event.

In 1986, Standard Register signed on as the tournament presenter and the tournament was re-named the Standard Register Turquoise Classic. The purse was raised to $250,000.

In 1991, the Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, the maker of PING golf equipment signed on as a co-presenter. The purse was raised to $550,000.

In 2001, the purse hit $1 million and champion Annika Sorenstam redefined golf history becoming the first woman to shoot 59 in a competitive round. In 2003, Safeway became a co-title sponsor with PING and in 2004 became the sole title sponsor for the tournament, the Safeway International. The event is run by Tournament Golf Foundation Inc. and moved to a new venue at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club. Charitable donations from the event are made through the Safeway Foundation of Phoenix. Banner Health Foundation will continue to be a major beneficiary of tournament proceeds, continuing to benefit cancer research and care in the region.

The Safeway International continues to be one of the most popular charitable sporting events in Arizona and on the LPGA tour. Since 1983, the event has raised over $11 million, $900,000 in 2006, for charity through the support of sponsors, fans and volunteers.

As the event changes course, one thing remains constant. The commitment of the tournament to provide world class golf and a great sporting venue for sponsors and fans alike.

For a list of past champions, click here.