2018 KIA CLASSIC MARCH 19-25, 2018
PARK HYATT AVIARA RESORT CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA / kiaclassic.com
Mirim LEE 2017 Champion
SPECTATOR GUIDE
0–60 IN 4.7 in case you’re
KEEPING SCORE.
2018 Stinger GT2 with optional features shown. Some features may vary. Preliminary performance estimates determined by Kia for Sting GT rear-wheel drive using Launch Control and factory-equipped with 19-inch wheels. Stinger GTs that are factory-equipped with 18-inch wheels are limited to 130 mph top speed (e.g., installation of 19-inch wheels will not increase the top speed). Actual results may vary depending on options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. Verification of these results should not be attempted. Always drive safely and obey all traffic laws.
ger h -
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With a 0–60 of 4.7 seconds, the 365-hp 2018 Kia Stinger GT is a true high-performance vehicle that will take your breath away.
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As
VERSATILE as the
CLUBS IN YOUR BAG.
With its dynamic styling, available DynamaxTM* all-wheel drive, and available 237-hp engine, the 2018 Kia Sportage is a bold choice for wherever your drive takes you. 2018 Sportage SX Turbo AWD shown with optional features. Some features may vary. *Dynamax is a registered trademark of Magna International Inc. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver errors and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME LETTERS 6
Sean Yoon President & CEO, Kia Motors America
8
Ulrich Samietz General Manager, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
OF INTEREST 10
Players to Watch (also on pages 11, 12, 14, 19)
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Pairings
20
Course Map
25
Things to do
27
Volunteers
28
Sponsors
5
WELCOME FROM KIA MOTORS AMERICA
Welcome to the ninth annual Kia Classic at the Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club & Resort. As the Official Vehicle of the LPGA, Kia is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Association and as in years past, the Kia Classic has again attracted the most talented players in the world who will compete for a $1.8 million purse and the keys to an all-new 2018 Stinger sportback sedan. Much like the dedication and discipline exhibited by the worldclass athletes competing in the Kia Classic, Kia Motors approaches everything we do with the same level of commitment and hard work. We are proud to have been named number one in initial quality by J.D. Power for two straight years and are not resting on our laurels as we focus on continuous improvement. In fact, Kia is ushering in a dynamic new era, exemplified by the all-new Stinger – Kia’s first all-wheel drive sedan – and Sorento SUV models. Stinger is the highest performing and most anticipated model in our company’s history, and the refined, rugged and roomy three-row Sorento SUV is as capable and versatile as ever. I encourage you to take a close look at the Kia models on display throughout the tournament grounds. In addition to Stinger and Sorento, Kia’s full world-class model line up includes a vehicle to suit the needs of every driver, and we are confident that you will be impressed. We are thrilled to be a part of the LPGA experience, and on behalf of all Kia team members and our nationwide network of dealers, we wish the players good luck, and hope you enjoy the activities and excitement of the 2018 Kia Classic. Thank you for joining us. Sincerely,
Sean Yoon President and CEO Kia Motors America
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KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
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Impossible to get just
A GOLF CLAP.
With head-turning style and features like an available 12-way power driver’s seat and Surround-View Monitor,* the 2018 Kia Optima is strokes ahead of the field. 2018 Optima SX with optional features shown. Some features may vary. *Surround-View Monitor is not a substitute for proper and safe parking procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when moving in either direction.
WELCOME FROM AVIARA
On behalf of the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, it is with great pleasure that we welcome back the LPGA Tour, professional golfers, partners and fans to Carlsbad for the 2018 Kia Classic. We are honored to once again host the world’s best golfers and to continue the tradition of the Kia Classic, which is considered to be one of the finest tournaments on the LPGA Tour. This year is special for Park Hyatt Aviara as we celebrate being awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star and the AAA 5 Diamond award for the fourth consecutive year. These coveted awards reaffirm that Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa continues to be one of the country’s finest luxury resorts. During your visit with us, I invite you to experience the array of amenities and dining options that await you at our resort. Beyond our 327 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites, the Argyle Steakhouse, located at Aviara golf course, specializes in prime cuts of succulent wagyu beef and an extensive wine list, while our AAA Four Diamond Italian restaurant, Vivace, features handmade pasta and innovative entrees. Relax at our 15,000 square foot Aviara Spa, with a wide selection of soothing massage treatments to select from. Enjoy live music nightly in the Park Lounge while sitting at one of outdoor fire pits. Our Tennis Center stands ready for play with seven refurbished courts for your recreation. At Park Hyatt Aviara we are committed to ensuring that each guest’s stay is a memorable experience brought to life through the impeccable service provided by our passionate staff. We hope that you enjoy the 2018 Kia Classic and your time at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa, and look forward to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon. Warmest Regards,
Ulrich Samietz General Manager Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
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KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
We Salute the pursuit of excellence by all of the players in the 2018 Kia Classic.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH Rolex Rankings as of the Start of the 2018 LPGA Season
Shanshan Feng
ROLEX RANKING: #1
BIRTHDATE: August 5, 1989 HOMETOWN: Guangzhou, China ROOKIE YEAR: 2008 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 9 wins, 1 major • Received the “Breakthrough of the Year” award at the 2017 China Top Ten Laureus Awards • Bronze Medalist representing China at the 2016 Rio Olympics • 2015 LET Order of Merit Winner • Became the first player from China, male or female, to become No. 1 in the world
Sung Hyun Park
ROLEX RANKING: #2
BIRTHDATE: September 21, 1993 HOMETOWN: Seoul, Republic of Korea ROOKIE YEAR: 2017 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 2 wins, 1 major • 2017 Rolex Co-Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year and Official Money Title • Lowest scoring average and highest earning player on the KLPGA in 2016 • Became the first player to win Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year awards in the same year since Nancy Lopez in 1978.
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KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
So Yeon Ryu ROLEX RANKING: #3 BIRTHDATE: June 29, 1990 HOMETOWN: Seoul, Republic of Korea ROOKIE YEAR: 2012 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 5 wins, 2 majors • 2017 Co-Rolex Player of the Year • Two-time member of Team Korea at the UL International Crown (2014, 2016), posting a 6-2-0 overall record • 2012 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year • In 2017, won multiple times in a season for the first time in her career and posted 12 top-10 finishes.
Lexi Thompson ROLEX RANKING: #4
BIRTHDATE: February 10, 1995 HOMETOWN: Coral Springs, Florida ROOKIE YEAR: 2012 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 9 wins, 1 major • A three-time member of the U.S. Solheim Cup Team (2013, 2015, 2017) with a 5-2-4 overall record • Represented the United States in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing T19 • A two-time member of Team United States at the UL International Crown (2014, 2016), posting a 4-3-0 overall record • Has won an event in each of the past five seasons, the longest streak on the LPGA Tour.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Anna Nordqvist ROLEX RANKING: #5
BIRTHDATE: June 10, 1987 HOMETOWN: Eskilstuna, Sweden ROOKIE YEAR: 2009 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 8 wins, 2 majors • A five-time member of the European Solheim Cup Team (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) with an overall 11-7-2 record • Named the 2017 Swedish Golfer of the Year • Represented Sweden in the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing T11 • Member of Team Sweden at the inaugural UL International Crown in 2014 and posted a 3-0-1 record • 2014 Kia Classic Champion
In Gee Chun ROLEX RANKING: #6
BIRTHDATE: August 10, 1994 HOMETOWN: Seoul, Republic of Korea ROOKIE YEAR: 2016 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 2 wins, 2 majors • 2016 Vare Trophy and Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year • Represented Republic of Korea at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing T13 • Member of Team Korea at the 2016 UL International Crown, posting a 2-2-0 record • Recorded 10 top-10 finishes in 2017 including five runner-ups
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KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ariya Jutanugarn ROLEX RANKING: #7
BIRTHDATE: November 23, 1995 HOMETOWN: Bangkok, Thailand ROOKIE YEAR: 2015 HIGHLIGHTS • Career wins: 7 wins, 1 major • 2016 Rolex Player of the Year, Race to the CME Globe and Money Title winner • Represented Thailand in the 2016 Rio Olympics (WD) • A two-time member of Team Thailand at the UL International Crown (2014, 2016) with a 1-4-2 overall record • First-ever major champion (male or female) from Thailand
I.K. Kim
ROLEX RANKING: #8 BIRTHDATE: June 13, 1988 HOMETOWN: Seoul, Republic of Korea ROOKIE YEAR: 2007 HIGHLIGHTS • Career Wins: 7 wins, 1 major • 2015 Kia Community Assist Award for her charitable efforts with the Special Olympics • 2010 LET Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year • In 2017, captured her first career-major championship at the Ricoh Women’s British Open and experienced her first multiple win season on the LPGA Tour with 3 victories
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KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cristie Kerr
ROLEX RANKING: #9 BIRTHDATE: October 12, 1977 HOMETOWN: Miami, Florida ROOKIE YEAR: 1997 HIGHLIGHTS • Career wins: 20 wins, 2 majors • A nine-time member of the U.S. Solheim Cup Team with a 18-14-6 overall record (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) • A two-time member of Team United States at the UL International Crown with a 5-2-0 overall record (2014, 2016) • 2015 Kia Classic Champion • In 2017, recorded the 19th and 20th wins in her career to move into a tie with Laura Davies for 26th all-time on the LPGA Official Career wins List
L ydia Ko
ROLEX RANKING: #10 BIRTHDATE: April 24, 1997 HOMETOWN: Auckland, New Zealand ROOKIE YEAR: 2014 HIGHLIGHTS • • • • • •
Career Wins: 14 wins, 2 majors Silver Medalist representing New Zealand in the 2016 Rio Olympics 2015 Rolex Player of the Year 2015 Vare Trophy 2015 and 2014 Race to the CME Globe winner 2016 Kia Classic Champion
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COURSE MAP
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KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
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find your joy
(just down the road)
AWARD-WINNING GOURMET CHOCOLATE IS CALLING YOUR NAME
15% off
Enjoy your full priced purchase at our boutique or online at ChuaoChocolatier.com Use code KIACLASSIC at checkout
For boutique hours, Factory Tour tickets & more goodies, visit ChuaoChocolatier.com. Chuao Chocolatier Joy Factory & Boutique 2350 Camino Vida Roble, Suite 101 Carlsbad, CA 92011 gourmet, Fair Trade Certified ™ chocolate, crafted with joy since 2002
Valid on full priced product only from 3/18/18 – 5/15/18, at Chuao boutique or webstore. Not valid with any other offers, promotions or discount. Not valid on previous purchases. No substitutions or cash value.
THINGS TO DO SORENTO SWING CHALLENGE Enter for your chance to win a new Kia Sorento today! Visit all the Kia activations throughout the golf course, challenge your friends and family on our Kian integrated trivia questions, and earn Kia Coins for a shot at making a hole-in-one on the Sorento Swing Challenge simulator.
KIA SHUTTLE SERVICE Friday through Sunday, Kia will be offering LPGA fans the opportunity to “Discover the New Kia” with a complimentary shuttle ride to-and-from the golf course in three different Kia models, including the all-new 2018 Kia Stinger. Simply visit the Kia tent located in the satellite parking lot for your ride and discover what’s new with the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA!
BALLAST POINT KIA BEER VAN Visit the Ballast Point Kia Beer Van near the #1 tee and try an Aloha Sculpin or Longfin Lager! Open 10am – 2:30pm, Thursday – Sunday.
FAMILY FUN ZONE
Checkout the Family Fun Zone sponsored by Carlsbad by the Sea. The area will feature a simulator and other games for the whole family! Located on the back of the driving range by #8 green.
BIRDIES FOR BUDS – HOLE #16 Head to hole #16 and Budweiser and Bud Light will be ½ price for 3 minutes when a birdie is made. $3 beers for 3 minutes!
GREAT SPECTATING LOCATIONS #1 Bleacher #3 Tee #8 Green Bleacher #12 Fairway #16 Spectator Viewing Deck – New! #18 Green Bleacher
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VOLUNTEER CHAIRMEN DIVISON CHAIRS Andy Burich Pat Willin Tom Imler Neil Cadwallader Brian Duncan Tracey Walker Jim Sandoval Mike Elgo
General Chairmen Vice Chair Vice Chair Operations Director Hospitality Director Community Relations Director Scoring Director Marshal Director
VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE CHAIRS Judi Imler Admissions George Macias Ken Denecke Jim McCormick Angela Didio-McCormick Tony Pipitone James Buchholz Doug Carr Ross Cook Bob Ross Marti Gears Katie Maldonado Judy Tiddens Bill Blank John Bepko Brenda Scarth Nancy McConnel Trude Tsujimoto Cheryl Benton Scott Walker Quentin White Dave Hamada Carol Sarkissian Tony Parra Mick Floqeut Howard Sonkin Bill Hofman Dan Michaels Bill Bauer John Kersey Joe Mullins Don Agostino Tom Hassings Vicki Geehan Steve Short Jim Wintch Phil Washum Shirley Carrington Anne Yorkey Pete Yorkey Dave Bachert Ken Klinko Gary Penovich Larry Peterson Mike Graves John Spiller Jack Dempsey Rodger Smith
 
Carts Operation Assistance Transportation Transportation TV Spotters Radio Distribution Caddies & Putting Green On-Course Services Media Center SkyBox Hospitality Player Services Player Services Range Services Volunteer Services Special Events Ambassadors Tournament Office Tournament Office Social Media Scoring Control Scoring Tents Standard Bearers Walking Scorers Walking Marshals Front 9 Hole 1 Hole 2 Hole 3 Hole 4 Hole 5 Hole 6 Hole 7 Hole 7 Hole 8 Hole 9 Back 9 Hole 10 Hole 11 Hole 11 Hole 12 Hole 13 Hole 14 Hole 15 Hole 16 Hole 17 Hole 18 Hole 18
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OFFICIAL SPONSORS
SPONSORS Action Golf Carts Adidas Golf Aviara Golf Club Membership BB&T Carlsbad by the Sea Resort Chuao Chocolatier Cobra Puma Golf Consumer Cellular Cox Media Datron World Communications David & Goliath Delta Rescue Equinox Glovis Golf Channel Green Meadow Growers Harman Kardon Hyundai Capital America J.D. Power Joins America JTBC KFMB Kia Motors Korea Daily Markstein Beverage Co. McDonnell Family 28
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NBC Park Aviara Resort Pepsi Phoenix Outdoor Pty Ltd Pro EM PSAV Race to CME Globe RC Baker Foundation Rolex SCNG Servant Leadership Institute Sharp Business Systems Shift Digital Street Swings Symetra The San Diego Union Tribune Titleist TropicSport Total Tournament Solutions Viasat Waste Management Printed by Printing, Direct Mail, Graphic Design & Marketing
KIA CLASSIC OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Bring
SIX FRIENDS to watch your
HOLE IN ONE.
2018 Sorento SX Limited AWD with optional features shown. Some features may vary. 1Dynamax is a registered trademark of Magna Inc. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly. *V6
a International 6 models only.
kiadealers.com
With an optional powerful 290-hp V6 engine, room to fit seven passengers,* and available Dynamax™1 all-wheel drive, the 2018 Sorento is the perfect getaway vehicle for any adventure. Including endless golf trips.
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Get
GREAT DISTANCE on
YOUR DRIVE.
With gas mileage rated at 43 mpg combined* and an available Harman KardonÂŽ premium sound system,1 the Kia Niro is the best of both worlds. A high-style adventure vehicle to take you farther. 2018 Niro Touring shown with optional features. Some features may vary. *EPA fuel economy estimates 40 hwy, 46 city, 43 combined for Niro Touring. See fueleconomy.gov for details. 1Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.