Pioneers of women's golf inspire today's stars to help grow sport

Pioneers of women's golf inspire today's stars to help grow sport

The LPGA returns to the Valley this week for the RR Donnelley Founders Cup, a unique tournament that aims to give back and grow the sport in the spirit of the 13 women who founded the LPGA in 1950.No player will keep her prize money as all $1 million will be donated to charity with $500,000 going to the LPGA Foundation and its LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program or the top 10 finishers' designated charities golf practice drills.Photos of the Founders Cup preparation Organizers hope Founders Cup returns to PhoenixThe past couple of years have been difficult for the tour as sponsorship money and the number of tournaments have diminished.Officials hope this week's celebration of women's golf - and nod to its founders - is the beginning of a rebound for the tour and the first step in establishing, once again, an annual presence for the LPGA in the Valley.Many of the tour's top golfers will be in the field of 134 golfers this week, and accepting the responsibility of doing what they can to keep the tour well for future generations of players."We as professionals have such great opportunities to travel the world and make a lot money, but we can't forget what's behind all this," said Grace Park, a longtime LPGA player Tiger Woods is Back. "This is a chance to show our dedication and get together for the future of the game."