The 2013 Kia Classic was held on March 18th through the 24th at the gorgeous Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and hosted the world’s best women golfers in the LPGA. The resort is a favorite for its golf club and famous spa.
The golfers were all competing for the grand prize of $1.7 million. This years Kia Classic featured returning champion Yani Tseng, Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis along with Beatriz Recari, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson.
This was the fourth year for the event, which supported the North County Solution for Change charity. The North County Solution for Change charity was created to help homeless individuals get their life back on track and integrate back into working society.
The brand new luxury 2014 Kia Cadenza was the official vehicle for the 2013 Kia Classic.
The event began on Monday March 18th with the 8 a.m. qualifier and professional practice rounds. On Tuesday March 19th guests were given free admission into another day of professional practice rounds from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Wednesday March 20th guests were asked to bring either 3 cans of food or 3 books to help the benefit the North County Solutions for Change charity. Guests who provided the 3 cans of food or 3 books were granted free admission into the event. The event began at 7 a.m. with the Kia Classic Official Pro-Am 1st and 10th Tees.
On Thursday March 21st gates opened around 7 a.m. and began with the First Round of Tee times at 7:15 a.m. The event continued all day until about 6p.m. in the evening. Golf Channel Telecast went Live around 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. EST.
Friday March 22nd was Military Appreciation Day at the event, presented by Datron World Communications. Gates once again opened at 7 a.m. with the Second Round of Tees beginning at 7:15 a.m. Gold Channel Telecast again broadcasted Live from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. EST.
Saturday March 23rd was Family Day at the 2013 Kia Classic, presented by U-T San Diego. Gates opened as scheduled at 7 a.m. with the Third Round Tee Times at 8:45 a.m. The Front Row Experience at the driving range began at 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Junior Clinic at the driving range began at 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Golf Channel Telecast went Live with their broadcast at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. EST.
S. Korea’s Jin Young Pak made a hole in one on No. 14 which was designated as the prize hole for the week. One swing of her 7 iron from 164 yards won the 26-year old a brand new 2014 Kia Cadenza, the official car of the Kia Classic.
The final day of the event, Sunday March 24th began with the gates opening at 7:30 a.m. Final Round of Tee times began at 8:45 a.m. The Front Row at the driving range began at 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Trophy Presentation was held immediately after play at the 18th Green. Golf Channel Telecast broadcasted Live from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST.
LATP writer Tyler Emery at the 18th hole at the 2013 Kia Classic.
The winner for the 2013 Kia Classic was Beatriz Recari. Beatriz is from Spain and won the event after her -9 under par, 2-hole playoff victory over I.K. Kim of South Korea. Beatriz Recari is known as the “Iron Woman” and was the recipient of the $1.7 million prize after she exhibited her talent and skillful methods throughout the competition.
Beatriz Recari wins the 2013 Kia Classic.
For more information on the event or players please visit www.kiaclassic.com.
