The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup unveiled today the RR Donnelley Founders Cup Trophy to be hoisted by the winner of the inaugural event on Sunday, March 20th. The perpetual trophy, created by renowned artist and sculptor Malcolm DeMille, is an impressive three-dimensional replica of the LPGA logo, symbolizing the association rich in history.
The RR Donnelley Founders Cup Trophy, cast in bronze and polished with highlights to emphasize the logo, stands nearly 20 inches tall. The elegant sculpture took DeMille 85 hours to complete from start to finish. Creating a three-dimensional sculpture from a one-dimensional image was a project tailor-made for the skilled DeMille.
“This was a work of passion for me,” DeMille said. “While this is my first piece for the LPGA, I have long been a fan and supporter of the Tour. I am proud to have my art be a timeless part of this unique and special tournament.”
The RR Donnelley Founders Cup Trophy will be raised by the champion on the 18th green at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort and Spa on Sunday, March 20. A smaller replica piece will be given to the champion.
DeMille, who has carved out his reputation in the golf world for creating unique pieces of art that double as trophies, started in his early teens, studying lapidary, jewelry making and sculpting. At 21, DeMille began designing and manufacturing his first custom jewelry line and later turned his focus to the golf industry. DeMille is the premier sculptor in the industry, creating trophies for many PGA TOUR events including the Chevron World Challenge, AT&T National the Wells Fargo Championship and the John Deere Classic.
Players at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will compete for a $1 million purse which will be donated entirely to charity with $500,000 going to The LPGA Foundation and its LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program and $500,000 going to the top-10 finishers’ designated charities.
While LPGA players will forgo tournament earnings in favor of charity, results at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will impact the 2011 LPGA Official Money List. Players also will earn points towards Rolex Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, Rolex Rankings and U.S. Solheim Cup team. Scores posted also will count towards the prestigious Vare Trophy.
The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup Pro-Am will take place at Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix Thursday, March 17th and the first round begins on Friday, March 18th with the tournament concluding on Sunday, March 20th.
