Tickets Now On Sale For 2013 Kia Classic As LPGA Tournament Heads To Aviara Golf Club

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tickets are now on sale for the 2013 Kia Classic, as the prestigious LPGA tournament heads to Aviara Golf Club, situated at the Park Hyatt Resort in Carlsbad, California. Tickets for the Kia Classic, scheduled for March 18-24, 2013, are available at www.kiaclassic.com.   As part of a holiday special being offered now through Jan. 1, fans spending $40 or more on Kia Classic tickets receive a $40 merchandise credit to be used in the LPGA merchandise tent at the tournament and a 20 percent discount on merchandise at the Aviara Golf Shop.

"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S.[1], and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "We are proud to be supporting a tournament featuring some of the best golfers in the world playing on a course designed by arguably the best golfer in history."

Advance prices for daily grounds passes are $10 for Wednesday's pro-am day and $15 per day for competition rounds. Weekly grounds passes are just $40.  Children 17 and under will receive free admission to the Kia Classic when accompanied by a paid adult.  Active military members and their families will be admitted at no charge with a valid military ID.  Information on corporate hospitality packages, pro-am opportunities and advertising opportunities is available at www.kiaclassic.com. 

The Kia Classic features a full 144-player field competing for a $1.7 million purse at Aviara Golf Club.  Tournament week will feature a qualifier, practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, a Wednesday pro-am and four competitive rounds from Thursday through Sunday.

"The Kia Classic is a great family-friendly experience where fans will have the opportunity to see the best LPGA players from all over the world," said Tournament Director Dennis Baggett.  "San Diego knows and appreciates great golf, and the Carlsbad community has been a tremendous supporter of golf events for many years."

In 2012, Taiwan native Yani Tseng, the No. 1 player on the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, won the third-annual Kia Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa.  In 2011, the Kia Classic was the stage for another breakout win as Germany's Sandra Gal became a Rolex-First Time Winner with her thrilling one-shot victory over eight-time LPGA Tour winner Jiyai Shin at Industry Hills Golf Club.

The Aviara Golf Club, which was named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America and the No.1 golf resort in San Diego according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, overlooks the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon ecological reserve and is the only San Diego golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.  Aviara features a memorable par-72 coastal layout that stretches 7,007 yards and is uniquely sculpted through rolling hillsides, native wildflowers and plenty of bunker and water challenges.  The golf club is part of the AAA Five Diamond-rated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, which features 329 guest rooms, four on-site restaurants, full-service spa, tennis courts, fitness facility and more.

Kia Classic fans can also follow the tournament through social media. The Kia Classic's Facebook page (search "Kia Classic") and Twitter feed (@LPGAKiaClassic) will allow fans to keep up on pre-tournament and tournament-week news, view exclusive photos and enter various contests for the chance to win Kia Classic tickets and other prizes.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA.  In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. [2]  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About 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 – Road to the LPGA 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.

About Aviara Golf Club
Named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America, Aviara Golf Club overlooks the protected Batiquitos Lagoon and is the only golf course in San Diego designed by Arnold Palmer. Aviara features a memorable par 72 coastal layout that stretches 7,007 yards and is uniquely sculpted around rolling hillsides, native wildflowers, and plenty of bunker and water challenges. Hole after hole, Aviara golf stimulates the senses with colorful flowers and flora and then sneaks in an ocean view hole just to ensure you'll never forget this magnificent Park Hyatt golf experience. The elegant two-story, 32,000-square-foot Spanish Colonial clubhouse features a bar, cozy lounge with fireplace and the adjoining Argyle Steakhouse with indoor and outdoor balcony seating. Showers, locker rooms, an upscale golf shop, driving range and an oversized practice putting green round out all the Aviara experience.

About Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Secluded amidst 200 acres of verdant hillsides and rolling valleys within the master-planned community of Aviara, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is AAA Five Diamond-rated and provides an appealing setting for any function. The resort's Spanish colonial architecture welcomes with a sense of casual elegance. Each of the 329 spacious guest rooms – including 44 suites – features a private balcony or landscaped terrace offering magnificent views. Expansive facilities for meetings and special events are enhanced by complete resort amenities, from acclaimed dining at four on-site restaurants, to a full-service spa, swimming, tennis, a fitness center and an Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole championship golf course. Follow Park Hyatt Aviara on Twitter, @ParkHyattAviara and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParkHyattAviara. www.parkhyattaviara.com

[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending November 2007 and November 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

[2] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending November 2007 and November 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

SOURCE Kia Motors America