Inbee Park wins Manulife Financial LPGA Classic

www.manulifeclassic.ca
@ManulifeClassic
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WATERLOO, ON, June 8, 2014 /CNW/ - World ranked number two LPGA player Inbee Park, from South Korea, tied a course record at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ontario with a 10-under 61, making this her tenth LPGA Tour title. Park finished three shots ahead of world ranked number 13 Cristie Kerr. She was awarded the winners cheque of USD$225,000.

"Congratulations to Inbee Park, the 2014 champion of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic," said Marianne Harrison, President and CEO, Manulife Canada.  "Fans were treated to some of the world's best golf and their support of the tournament was outstanding. We look forward to bringing the world to Waterloo Region once again in 2015."

The 25-year-old played the front nine in 5-under 31 and had only one bogey in the entire tournament - on the fourth hole in the first round on Thursday. Park becomes the third different player to win the Manulife Financial LPGA. Previously, Park finished tied for 14th in 2013, and tied for 2nd in 2012, losing in a four-player, three-hole playoff. Park is projected to remain at No. 2 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

"It's really exciting to see how proud the community is to have this world-class event in Waterloo Region," stated Richard Kuypers, Tournament Director for the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. "I want to thank Manulife for their commitment to the tournament and volunteerism. We are grateful to the volunteers, fans, players, Grey Silo Golf Course, St. Mary's General Hospital and everyone who played a role in making this tournament one of the player's favourite stops on the tour."

Volunteerism was an important component of the tournament with 1,000 volunteers performing a variety of essential duties including transportation, shuttle services, marshals, walking scorers, operations, and player and caddie hospitality at the tournament.

This year, thousands showed their support by wearing red on Friday, June 6 in support of St. Mary's General Hospital and the women they love. As the tournament's official charity partner, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation receives a portion of the tournament proceeds, while providing the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of women's heart health. An announcement regarding the total charitable contributions will be made at a later date.

Tickets for the 2015 Manulife Financial LPGA Classic are expected to go on sale this fall. For more information, visit www.manulifeclassic.ca.

About the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic
The Manulife Financial LPGA Classic is back for its third year on the LPGA Tour and will feature a standard eligibility field of 144 players, 72 holes of stroke play and a purse of $1.5 million. The tournament will take place June 4 - 8, 2014, at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ontario, home of Manulife's Canadian Division Headquarters. For more information please visit: www.manulifeclassic.ca. Follow us on Twitter:  @ManulifeClassic.

About Manulife
Manulife is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife and its subsidiaries were approximately C$635 billion (US$574 billion) as at March 31, 2014. Our group of companies operates as Manulife in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

About Sports Properties International
As owner of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic, Sports Properties International was created to provide an environment where communities and spectacular sporting events can come together, connected by a common interest. Sports Properties International can be found on the internet at www.spint.ca.

About Bruno Event Team
Bruno Event Team (BET) is a Birmingham, Alabama-based sports marketing and event management company formed in 1996 by Ronald Bruno and Gene Hallman. Bruno Event Team is experienced in all facets of event management, employing a year-round staff of 70+ employees in thirteen offices around the United States and Canada. Bruno Event Team Services each client with expertise in strategic planning, marketing, advertising, public and media relations, ticket and merchandise sales, sponsor relations, hospitality consulting, event operations, event financial planning/accounting, and volunteer coordination. Visit www.brunoeventteam.com for additional information.

SOURCE: Manulife Financial Corporation

Media Contacts: 
Lisa (Green) Collins
Marketing & Communications Manager
Manulife Financial LPGA Classic
519-884-5742
[email protected]

Brooke Tucker-Reid
Media Relations Consultant
Manulife
416-434-0635
[email protected]