Partnership extends the Guardian Championship in Prattville, Alabama, for another three years at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.
PRATTVILLE, AL. – The Epson Tour, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and Guardian Credit Union announced today a contract extension for the Guardian Championship. Serving as a title sponsor for the Guardian Championship since 2017, the entirety of its existence, the Guardian Credit Union will continue to support the event through 2026.
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Guardian Credit Union and RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill to announce the continuation of the Guardian Championship," said Epson Tour Chief Business and Operating Officer Jody Brothers. "We are constantly seeking partners who share our goal of giving our athletes the best opportunities to succeed and pursue their dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour, which is exactly what the Guardian Championship provides."
The contract extension allows the Epson Tour to continue adding to the list of past Guardian Championship winners, including LPGA Tour members Maria Torres, Janie Jackson, and Lindsey Weaver-Wright. The Guardian Championship is a crucial tournament in the Race for the Card process, with the event being played towards the end of the season each year. A win at the Guardian Championship can lead to an athlete achieving their dream of competing on the LPGA Tour the next year. To add to the importance of the event and the development of women's golf, the Guardian Championship will return September 2-8, 2024, with the purse increasing to $225,000. The purse will continue to increase in 2025 to $235,000 and $250,000 in 2026.
"Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is excited to extend The Guardian Championship and our partnership with Guardian Credit Union, the City of Prattville, and the Epson Tour for an additional three years," said Sunbelt Golf Corporation CEO Mike Beverly. "Capitol Hill looks forward to another great tournament this year and beyond, as The Trail is proud to continue the tradition of professional women's golf in Alabama."
"Guardian Credit Union is excited to be a part of the Guardian Championship extension, continuing to bring talented golfers to the river region, aiding in the chance to continue their career as a professional golfer," said Guardian Credit Union CEO Heath Harrell. "We have enjoyed watching the tournament grow into what it is today and look forward to the continued partnership with Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the City of Prattville and many others."
The impact of the Guardian Championship extends outside just the world of golf, and into the overall community in Prattville, Alabama.
"It's great to have a dual partnership with Guardian Credit Union and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill to host the Epson Tournament Guardian Championship," said Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. "Being selected to host the many world-class lady golfers in Prattville, Alabama, is a true honor and a testament to the high-caliber golf opportunity in our community."
At the 2019 Guardian Championship, Gigi Stoll, Jenny Coleman, and Laura Sluman battled it on the final day, with Sluman eventually coming out on top. Now, heading into the 2023 Guardian championship, all three players will be in attendance, with Stoll and Coleman both currently in the Race for the Card Top 10. Sluman is excited about returning to Prattville and for the future of the Guardian Championship.
"Every year, I look forward to coming back to the Guardian Championship. It's my favorite event of the year," said 2019 Guardian Championship winner Laura Sluman. "I have one of my all-time favorite golf memories here. Winning this event with my mom on the bag was such an incredible moment that I will cherish forever. I am so grateful to Guardian for their continued support and for giving us the opportunity to compete and chase our dreams. This event is truly special."
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