Throughout the season, various companies worldwide join the Epson Tour's journey to provide talented women with the best opportunities to pursue their dreams of playing on the LPGA Tour. The Clyde Companies, a heavy civil construction firm based in Utah, took action in 2023.
After noticing a disparity between pay on the Epson Tour (minimum purse size of $200,000) and its male counterpart, the Korn Ferry Tour (minimum purse size of $1 million), the Utah-based company created the "Clyde Challenge Pay Equity Match," encouraging other companies across the state to support the Epson Tour's Copper Rock Championship and help increase the prize fund.
"Clyde Companies is committed to leading out and speaking up for gender pay parity. We know female leadership makes a difference within our business and across our community," said Clyde Companies President and CEO Jeremy Hafen. "We are truly honored to partner with Copper Rock and the Epson Tour to support women athletes."
Clyde Companies' initiative increased the 2023 Copper Rock Championship purse by $10,000. As a result, the Epson Tour athletes will compete for $230,000, the fifth biggest purse of the season.
"I think it's amazing that they're willing to support the Epson Tour with more money for us [athletes]," said 2022 Copper Rock Championship winner Dottie Ardina. "I think it's great [to have that support], and I want to see more growth."
While the extra $10,000 already makes a huge difference to the athletes on tour, Clyde Companies wants to continue making a difference in the future.
"Whether we are business leaders or pro golfers, let's continue to have the conversation and value performance," Hafen added.
The Copper Rock Championship will be played from April 27-29, 2023, at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, please visit https://www.copperrockchampionship.com.
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