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LPGA and World Golf Tour Launch Free "LPGA Virtual Tour"

The LPGA Virtual Tour consists of three monthly qualifying tournaments and a championship tournament all played online at www.wgt.com. The tour schedule is Pinehurst #8 in October, Kiawah Ocean Course in November, and Wolf Creek in December. The tournaments will be either traditional stroke play or special golf skill challenge. The top 100 players from each qualifying tournament will square off in the final championship at a special online golf course to be announced.

Players can earn exciting prizes from the LPGA. All entrants will receive a 10% discount on golf merchandise at LPGAProShop.com. The winners of each monthly qualifying tournament will win tickets to an LPGA event closest to them, and the winner of the final championship will have the chance to play golf with an LPGA professional at an LPGA Pro-Am event or a unique "Inside The Ropes" experience at an LPGA event. WGT will also award credits and virtual prizes to top finishers.

"Our research shows golf fans have become increasingly active online and WGT's technology provides an immersive experience from the comfort of their home," said Jon Podany, LPGA chief marketing officer. "With Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer and Yani Tseng capturing majors this year, and an amazing Race for No. 1 between no less than five players right now, there's a resurgence of interest in women's golf and the LPGA. The heightened interest makes it the perfect time to launch the LPGA Virtual Tour and help bring that experience to more fans."

"We created World Golf Tour for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the sport whenever and wherever they like," said YuChiang Cheng, CEO of World Golf Tour. "We're excited to launch the LPGA Virtual Tour which is the first-ever online golf season held on photo-realistic courses where the pros play."

Players can visit www.wgt.com to start practicing for free, and then enter and play in the first LPGA Virtual Tour Event anytime in October 2010. There is no entry fee and all that's required is access to the Internet and a web browser. Players have the option of watching free tutorial videos and purchasing virtual golf equipment in the WGT Pro Shop.

About World Golf Tour (WGT)

World Golf Tour (WGT) is the leader in virtual sports gaming with millions of online players. Anyone can visit wgt.com to play for free in virtual reality on famous golf courses like Bethpage and St. Andrews which are recreated using HD photos and patented technology. Players can also purchase WGT credits to upgrade their virtual golf equipment, compete against each other, and enter tournaments for prizes. WGT has partnered with the USGA and R&A to host virtual championships of major golf tournaments, awarding over $100,000 in prizes since launching in 2008. More at www.wgt.com

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)

The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Duramed FUTURES Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

LPGA
Mike Scanlan, 386-274-6275
Public Relations Manager
mike.scanlan@lpga.com
or
World Golf Tour
Allison & Partners
Jennifer Nichols, 415-277-4912
jnichols@allisonpr.com