Safeway International to Feature 72 of Top 75 on Money List and More

March 5, 2004

The Safeway International, presented by Coca-Cola, to be held March 15-21,2004 at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, outside Phoenix, AZ, will feature 72 of the top 75 players on the LPGA money list from 2003, according to the latest field list available. According to Tom Maletis, President of Tournament Golf Foundation Inc. (TGFI), the tournament organizers, “This is an outstanding field, and will feature almost every marquee player on the LPGA tour.”

In addition, there are over 40 players on the alternate list to get into the event, which will feature a full field of 144 players.

Maletis says that a lot of the credit for the strong field should go to Safeway. “Safeway has stepped up to become a sponsor of two events on the LPGA tour, here in Phoenix and in Portland, with the Safeway Classic. This show of support by Safeway is being recognized by LPGA players who will be here in Phoenix to show their support in-kind.”

Maletis added, “This tournament’s 21-year history with the LPGA, the great course conditions at Superstition Mountain and the wonderful fan base here contribute to this being a popular event, but this type of field is exceptionally strong for any event on tour.”

The three players from the top 75 who will not be in Phoenix are all missing for good reason. Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, winner of last year’s Kraft Nabisco Championship just had her first child. Laura Diaz is recovering from recent surgery and has not committed to any of the first three events this year as of yet. Leta Lindley is pregnant with her first child.

The Safeway International will feature a $1.2 million purse. The defending champion is Se Ri Pak. In addition to the great field of top money winners on tour, the event will also feature Michelle Wie, the 14-year old sensation from Hawaii.