Kia Classic LPGA Golf Tour Goes to Los Angeles

As the title sponsor of the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) Kia Classic, women's professional golf back to Los Angeles for the first time in six years. Hosted at the Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms March 21 – 27, the Kia Classic will be the LPGA's first U.S. event featuring prize money in 2011 and will be broadcast nationwide on Golf Channel.

"On the heels of record sales and market share in 2010, Kia is focused on finding innovative ways to increase brand awareness and consideration, and high-profile sports marketing partnerships such as the Kia Classic are key elements of our strategy," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.

"The youthful, exciting spirit exhibited by partners like the LPGA and players such as Michelle Wie reflect the 'exciting and enabling' characteristics found within the Kia brand and our products,” continued Sprague.

The tournament will feature the tour's top-20 ranked players, including Michelle Wie, Kia Motors' official golf ambassador and spokesperson. The second annual Kia Classic will draw a full field of 144 LPGA professionals competing for the tournament's $1.7 million prize.

Late last week, the brand announced it has prepared a Super Bowl ad to introduce the all-new 2011 Optima to consumers.  In 2010, KMA expanded its partnership with professional basketball as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA," also becoming the "Official Automotive Partner of NBA All-Star," "Official Automotive Partner of NBA Cares," and title partner of the "Kia NBA All-Star MVP Award."

The LPGA 2011 season opens February 17 in Thailand.