All-New Kia Performance Awards to Honor Outstanding Achievements of Ladies of Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Players
· Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA
· Four recipients of end-of-the-year Kia Performance Awards to receive Optima Limited
IRVINE, Calif., March 2, 2012 – The third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25, is attracting a strong field of LPGA players who will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping 2012 Optima Limited midsize sedans to roll off the production line at Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.
“Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year’s Kia Classic. The Optima Limited is Kia’s most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour’s best players for their outstanding performances.”
In addition to the Kia Classic winner, Kia will honor the outstanding achievements of LPGA players this season by presenting the winners of the Kia Performance Award with an Optima Limited. The awards, which will be presented at the CME Group Titleholders event in November, include:
Kia Power Drive – Awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance
Kia Drive to the Top – Awarded to the player with the most Top 10 finishes
Kia Most Compelling Performance – Recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award is chosen by fans through an online vote
Kia Community Assist – Recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs
Following strong event-attendance and TV-ratings growth in the tournament’s second year, Kia signed on as the “Official Automaker of the LPGA.” Kia also serves as the “Official Tournament Vehicle” of eight LPGA events.
