Manulife Financial LPGA Classic Returns to Waterloo in 2014

www.manulifeclassic.ca
@ManulifeClassic

WATERLOO, ON, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - The third annual Manulife Financial LPGA Classic will be held June 4-8 at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ontario. Over its first two years, the tournament has attracted more than 125,000 spectators making it one of the most well-attended events on the LPGA Tour.  In 2014, the tournament will return to a June date.

"We felt that the earlier summer date will make it even more convenient for fans to make their summer plans around the tournament," stated tournament director Richard Kuypers.  "The support from title sponsor Manulife Financial has been incredible, and also from what we think are the greatest fans and volunteers in the world. Each year the event gets bigger and better, and we are on track for 2014's event to be the best yet."

In 2013, South Korean Hee Young Park out-lasted all other competitors and won in a three-hole playoff. This was the event's second three-hole playoff finish in as many years. Park joined Texas native Brittany Lang, who won the inaugural tournament in 2012, as champions in Waterloo.

"Many of the best female golfers travel to Waterloo to compete in this world-class tournament," said Marianne Harrison, President and CEO, Manulife Canada. "This is a testament to the caliber of this international event, which is created in partnership and collaboration with the community."

In just two years, the event has received rave reviews from spectators, volunteers, and players. "Manulife has done an amazing job promoting this event to such a high-level in its first two years," said Lang, who competed in the tournament last year as well. "The volunteer and local community support is tremendous and the crowds in Waterloo are some of the most impressive on Tour. We love playing the track at Grey Silo and always look forward to exciting golf."

In a recent announcement, the LPGA indicated that the winner of the Golf Channel's reality show "Big Break Florida" will receive an exemption into the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. 

On November 25, volunteer registration will open and tickets will be available for purchase. For information, visit manulifeclassic.ca.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$574.6 billion (US$558.7 billion) as at September 30, 2013. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.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 Symetra Tour consistently produces 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.

About Sports Properties International
Sports Properties International was created to provide an environment where communities and spectacular sporting events can come together, connected by a common interest.  Sports Properties International can be found on the Internet at www.sportspropertiesinternational.com.

About Bruno Event Team
Bruno Event Team (BET) is a Birmingham, Alabama-based sports marketing and event management company formed in 1996 by Ronald Bruno and Gene Hallman. Bruno Event Team is experienced in all facets of event management, employing a year-round staff of 80+ employees in twelve offices around the United States and two offices in Canada. Bruno Event Team services each client with expertise in strategic planning, marketing, advertising, public and media relations, ticket and merchandise sales, sponsor relations, hospitality consulting, event operations, event financial planning/accounting and volunteer coordination. Visit www.brunoeventteam.com for additional information.

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation