June 24, 2008

A gathering of eleven PING staff pros, key PING customers and PING executives proved an enjoyable kick-off as the players prepared for this week’s Women’s U.S. Open at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota.

PING’s sales representative Paul Peterson and his wife, Adele, hosted the party for the PING staff players and several PING customers in the area. The party was also attended by some of the Twin Cities top junior girl players.

PING Chairman & CEO John Solheim was on hand as well. He presented Hilary Lunke (above right), a native of the Twin Cities area, with a solid gold replica of the Anser2 putter she used to win the 2003 Women’s U.S. Open.

Among the highlights of the evening was a closest to the pin contest with a $100 gift certificate at stake. Although only an 80-yard shot, the pin was positioned on a peninsula that left the game’s top players little margin for error. Each of the eleven players who participated hit three balls and only one—LPGA rookie winner Louise Friberg—found dry land. Friberg proved a fitting winner as she was also celebrating her 28th birthday.

The guests enjoyed a Mexican buffet and the opportunity to interact with some of the LPGA’s top professionals.