LPGA to have 31 events in 2009

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- LPGA officials released a 2009 schedule that features 31 tour events, three fewer than in 2008, totaling nearly $55 million in prize money.

The 2009 season is set to begin Feb. 12-14 with the SBS Open at Turtle Bay, Hawaii, and concludes Nov. 19-22 in Houston with the Stanford Financial Tour Championship.

The LPGA's first major tournament of 2009 is the Nabisco Championship scheduled April 2-5 in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The McDonald's LPGA Championship is set for June 11-14 at Harve de Grace, Md., while the U.S. Women's Open is to be contested July 9-12 in Bethlehem, Pa., and the Ricoh Women's British Open is July 30-Aug. 2 in Lytham St. Annes, England.

The LPGA said its 31 tournaments will be played in 10 countries and there is an average purse of $1.767 million.

"Given the current state of the global economy, we view today's release of our 2009 Tour schedule as a barometer of the stability, appeal and value of our players and property," LPGA President Carolyn Bivens said in a release.

"With 31 events in 10 countries, we remain focused on providing market-based playing opportunities for our members, as well as providing fans with a great entertainment experience across the schedule."