LPGA's Wiffi Smith Keynotes "Ladies on the Links" Luncheon

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

LPGA Legend Wiffi Smith to Keynote “Ladies on the Links” Luncheon

SEATTLE, Wash. (April 21, 2005) – LPGA Champion and distinguished golf instructor Margaret “Wiffi” Smith is the featured speaker at the luncheon program of the “Ladies on the Links” golf tournament on Monday, June 6 at The Golf Club at Newcastle. Non-golfers are invited to the luncheon, which will also include comments by 13-year-old program participant Dara Leary, door prizes and an auction.

All proceeds from the day’s fund-raising activities will benefit girls in The First Tee of Greater Seattle program. The not-for-profit organization is part of a World Golf Foundation initiative dedicated to providing young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship

Mona Lee Locke, honorary co-chair of the “Ladies on the Links” event and an anchor/reporter at KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, will interview Wiffi Smith during the luncheon. The former First Lady of Washington State will chat with and invite audience questions of Smith, a winner of more than 32 major tournaments including nine while playing on the LPGA tour. The resident of Darrington (in Snohomish County) is known for her teaching abilities, which spans more than four decades, as well as her sense of humor. Her remarkable career includes playing on a victorious Curtis Cup team in 1956 and winning a long-drive competition in 1957 when she blasted the ball 310 yards.. Last year, the Western Golf Association presented Smith with its prestigious “Woman of Distinction” award.

Tickets for the “Ladies on the Links” fund-raising luncheon, which is set to begin around noon when the tournament concludes, cost $100. Reservations may be made using an online form at www.TheFirstTeeSeattle.org (then click on “Events”) or by calling 1-866-858-5678.

Now in its third year, the Ladies on the Links Tournament is a 9-hole scramble format that rewards all players with a special gift at each hole, compliments of various sponsors and underwriters. The $275 fee includes a continental breakfast, golf, power cart and luncheon. To register for the tournament, to donate or to volunteer, call The First Tee of Greater Seattle, 206-265-3040 or visit www.TheFirstTeeSeattle.org.

Joining Locke as honorary co-chair is Libby Gates Armintrout, with Deborah Juarez serving as event chair. Juarez credits the generosity of volunteers, mentors and donors with keeping the program affordable to kids of all backgrounds.

The First Tee of Greater Seattle, chartered in 2003, offers programs for kids ages 8 to 18 at three golf courses. New this year is Crossroads Golf Course in Bellevue. The affordably priced programs ($30 for the 8-week sessions starting June 22) are also offered at Jackson Park and Jefferson Park golf courses in Seattle. Scholarships are available. Registration information is online at www.TheFirstTeeSeattle.org.

The First Tee of Greater Seattle was formed in 2001 from a collaborative effort involving the Broadmoor Golf Club Foundation, the national First Tee organization (www.thefirsttee.org) and the board of Municipal Golf of Seattle.
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FOR INFORMATION Heidi Wills, Executive Director, 206.265-3040 (cell) or 206.624-1301
or Cheri Brennan, (Volunteer), 425.957-0654