LPGA MERCHANDISE SHOW

LPGA Women’s Network to be Officially Launched at PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando

Dow, Kia Motors America, KPMG and XL Catlin come on board as Founding Partners of the Network

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 24, 2018 – The LPGA Women’s Network, a digital platform designed to help nurture female interest in the game of golf, will be officially launched at the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show on Thursday, January 25, during a breakfast function highlighted by the announcement of four blue-chip companies coming on board as Founding Partners.

LPGA partners Dow, Kia Motors America, KPMG and XL Catlin have all pledged their support for the LPGA Women’s Network, which aims to be the biggest and most active online forum for female golfers of all skill levels and backgrounds.

"We are thrilled to officially launch the LPGA Women’s Network and to have the support of an incredible group of Founding Partners," said Ashleigh McLaughlin, Manager of Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy for the Women’s Network. "Creating a community which celebrates the growth and connections women can find through golf is a priority for the LPGA and we are honored to have the support of partners who will lend their voices and stories to this new vehicle."

The LPGA Women’s Network provides its members with practical golf tips and instruction from LPGA Teachers; member perks with discounts from LPGA partners; the opportunity to engage with the LPGA and its players through an interactive blog and video series; and a channel to connect with each other through stories of inspiration. Visitors to the sitehave access to everything golf-related - including instruction, fashion, career and networking advice, and inspiration to improve their lives.

"On behalf of Dow, I’m excited for this new partnership with the LPGA and the Women’s Network,” said Karen S. Carter, Chief Inclusion Officer, The Dow Chemical Company. “Dow has been involved with the game of golf for a long time, including selling many of our products and solutions into the golf world. We look forward to using this network to help attract more women to the game, and use golf as a vehicle for career advice and advancement."

Sylvia Lopez-Navarro, national manager, partnerships & experiential marketing, Kia Motors America, said: "Kia Motors has enjoyed a long history of success with the LPGA and we are proud to lend further support as a founding partner of the LPGA’s Women’s Network. As fans of the game, our passion for sports is evident and we look forward to engaging with, and encouraging, more young people as they pursue their athletic ambitions on both the professional and recreational levels."

Several topics and themes are addressed by the LPGA Women's Network, including stories of inspiration and leadership, issues relating to the golf industry’s approach to attracting and retaining women in the game, and advice for women who want to use golf as a tool for advancing their careers.

"The LPGA Women’s Network provides a great platform to share stories from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit that will serve to inspire the next generation of women leaders, on and off the golf course," said Chris Goodman, Chief Marketing Officer, KPMG LLP.

Eileen Whelley, Chief Human Resources Officer at XL Catlin, said: "We are delighted to be a Founding Partner of the LPGA Women's Network and we look forward to playing a part in helping women of all skill levels connect and develop."

The LPGA Women’s Network features articles and op-ed pieces from some of the biggest names and leading thought-leaders in the world of golf for women, among them LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame members Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez; Susan Fornoff, the founder of GottaGoGolf; Anya Alvarez, a former LPGA and Symetra Tour player turned journalist; and Abbey Algiers, a writer who uncovers the deeper life lessons that can be learned from the game.

Those who join the free LPGA Women’s Network community gain access to more than just its compelling content, but also unlock the site’s hidden Member Perks page, a unique benefit for subscribers offering exclusive discounts from brands like Adidas Golf, LPGA Travel, Greg Norman Collection and more.

The site is expected to continue its growth and expansion of resources for women to learn and connect, including interactive discussion forums and regional calendars for women to find female-friendly golf events and organizations across the country.

The PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando is the golf industry’s leading trade-only event and annual season kickoff for golf industry professionals to display and discover the latest trends in golf equipment, technology, apparel and fitness.

About the LPGA Women’s Network

Born as an extension of the LPGA’s mission to empower women through the game of golf, the LPGA Women’s Network was launched in August 2017 to provide women with advice for their golf games, and inspiration for their lives. The LPGA Women’s Network is a digital platform designed to unite women and help them better enjoy the game of golf. At LPGAWomensNetwork.com, visitors are offered thoughtful, high-quality golf instruction and inspirational content crafted with women in mind.

Top LPGA players lend their voices to the site, sharing personal and introspective stories that give readers a glimpse into their lives from inside and outside the ropes of the LPGA Tour. The LPGA Women’s Network also features articles and op-ed pieces from some of the leading thought-leaders and tastemakers in the world of golf for women. LPGA Women’s Network subscribers receive the most popular video and editorial content from the blog in a bi-weekly e-newsletter and have access to exclusive LPGA partner discounts and benefits. Read the latest stories and subscribe at www.LPGAWomensNetwork.com. Join the social conversation at www.facebook.com/lpgawomensnetwork ,www.twitter.com/lpgawomen , www.instagram.com/lpgawomensnetwork