World’s Best Golfers Set to Return to Arizona for the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass
Tickets to go on sale in coming weeks; volunteer opportunities currently available for area sports fans
PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 20, 2024 – Arizona golf fans, get ready for the return of the world’s best golfers!
On March 27-30, 2025, the LPGA Tour will head to Whirlwind Golf Club for the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. The event promises to bring elite competition alongside family-friendly activities for sports enthusiasts of all ages.
The 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass celebrates the return of Ford as title sponsor of the event, reaffirming their commitment to advancing women’s golf and empowering women in sports.
Additionally, Wild Horse Pass will join the LPGA Tour family as a presenting sponsor, bringing the Gila River Indian Community’s rich heritage and passion for hospitality to elevate the tournament experience. This partnership will create unparalleled opportunities for the world’s best golfers on and off the course while delivering an electric and unforgettable experience for fans.
"Ford is excited to be back as the title sponsor, supporting the LPGA and the growth in women sports,” said Phil O’Connor, Director of Marketing Communications, Ford Motor Company. “With the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, we hope to elevate the visibility of these incredible athletes and inspire a new generation to follow the sport."
“As we prepare for the LPGA championship this year, we are not only thrilled to welcome world-class athletes and passionate fans to our amazing venues, but we are committed to providing a first-class experience for everyone involved” said Louie Unga, Regional Manager of Century Golf Partners, manager of Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass. “We look forward to celebrating the spirit of competition, camaraderie and the continued growth of the LPGA here at Wild Horse Pass.”
"This partnership brings together two incredible forces – Ford, with its global reach and legacy, and Wild Horse Pass, with its deep roots and tradition of excellence in the greater Phoenix area,” said Emily Podzielinski, LPGA Tournament Director for the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass.
“Together, this dynamic collaboration will not only elevate the tournament but also create a meaningful and lasting impact for the LPGA Tour and the local community.”
Tickets for the 2025 Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass will be available in the coming weeks. Fans can sign up here to be alerted when tickets go on sale. Juniors aged 17 and under will receive complimentary admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. Additionally, volunteer opportunities are available for fans who want to participate in the week’s festivities.
In the foothills of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, flanking desert canyons carved by ancient rivers, Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass pairs the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert with world-class golf and amenities. The venue pays tribute to the traditions of both the sport of golf and the culture of the Pima and Maricopa people who steward the land. Designed by Gary Panks, Whirlwind Golf Club hosted the 2001-05 Gila River Golf Classic, a stop on the Korn Ferry Tour.
This will be the second edition of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, which joined the LPGA Tour calendar in 2024. The 2024 playing saw American star Nelly Korda earn the third title of her season. With the victory, the 25-year-old Florida native became the first player since 2016 to win in three consecutive starts on the LPGA Tour and the first American to do so since Nancy Lopez won five straight events in 1978. Korda went on to capture four more titles, including a major win at The Chevron Championship, en route to winning Rolex Player of the Year honors.
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About Ford
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.
Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide.
About Wild Horse Pass
Wild Horse Pass is a tribally-owned entity of the Gila River Indian Community, overseeing the 3,300 acre Wild Horse Pass development area including Gila River Business Enterprises, Gila Gas & Goods and Gila River Outdoor. Wild Horse Pass, a 3,300-acre master-planned development, features a range of attractions such as Firebird Motorsports Park, Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, Buck-N Rodeo Grounds, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix Premium Outlets, KOLI Equestrian Center, Radford Racing School, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass and Huhugam Heritage Center.
About Whirl Wind Golf Club
Located just 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, flanking desert canyons carved by ancient rivers, Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass is a truly unique Southwest golf experience sensitively designed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gila River Indian Community. Crafted by Gary Panks, both award winning courses at Whirlwind (Devil’s Claw and Cattail) are consistently ranked amongst the Best You Can Play in Arizona. Their creative designs reflect the Gila River landscape including cottonwood, mesquite, saguaro and palo verde trees with native grasses, rolling terrain and uncluttered views. The beauty of the natural terrain, 36 holes of stunning golf, creative culinary experiences at Sivlik Grill and more, make Whirlwind Golf Club a shining golf, dining and event gem within the Wild Horse Pass destination.
About the LPGA
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s premier women’s professional golf organization. Created in 1950 by 13 pioneering female Founders, the LPGA, whose members now represent more than 60 countries, is the longest-standing professional women’s sports organization. Through the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour, the LPGA Professionals, and a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA provides female professionals the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the game of golf at the highest level. In addition to its professional tours and teaching accreditation programs, the LPGA features a fully integrated Foundation, which provides best-in-class programming for female golfers through its junior golf programming, and its LPGA Amateurs division, which offers its members playing and learning opportunities around the world. LPGA aims to use its unique platform to inspire, transform and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course.
About the LPGA Tour
The LPGA Tour is the world’s leading competitive destination for the best female professional golfers in the world. The Tour hosts more than 30 annual events across 10 countries for over 200 Active Players, awarding total prize funds exceeding $125 million and reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries.
Media Contact
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