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Monday, March 18, 2024

LPGA Founders Cup ends successfully

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Bank of Hope chief director Seok-hwa Ko is presenting the trophy to Anna Nordqvist, who won the 2017 Founders Cup. Bank of Hope president Kevin Kim (on the left) is applauding the winner.

The 2017 LPGA Founders Cup ended successfully after kicking off on March 16. Bank of Hope, the largest Korean-American bank, was the tournament’s title sponsor.

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden triumphed in the tournament hosted at the Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix after finishing Sunday with a 68 and 25-under 263 for a two-stroke win.

This year’s Founders Cup drew a sizable interest even among Korean-Americans as it was the first LPGA tournament with a Korean-American title sponsor. Bank of Hope, which became Korean-America’s first super regional bank in the U.S., was able to benefit from sponsoring the tournament as it was televised in 167 countries.

“I’ve been asked a lot of questions from those who wondered if Bank of Hope also has a branch location in Phoenix,” said In-young Park, Bank of Hope’s PR director. “Many people also thanked us for becoming the title sponsor of the tournament.”

Bank of Hope president Kevin Kim added: “I was concerned until we signed the sponsorship agreement as I wasn’t sure if we’d do a good job, but the tournament was held successfully and the feedback has been positive, so we’re hugely satisfied.”

By Seung Woo Shin