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
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