Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola

The Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola is a very old tournament. It has been part of the LPGA Tour since it came into existence in 1980. During that time, the tournament was known as the Sun City Classic. As with most long running tournaments, its name has been changed many times over the years. The tournament has been held in Phoenix, Arizona every year with the Moon Valley Golf Club hosting it on most occasions. The tournament is played over four 72 holes. Below is a list of names by which the tournament was known.

Sun City Classic (1980-82)

Samaritan Turquoise Classic (1983-85)

Standard Register Turquoise Classic (1986-90)

Standard Register PING (1991-2001)

Banner Health (2002)

Safeway International (2003- )

Juli Inkster came from behind to clinch the 2006 Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola by two strokes. Sarah Lee had a comfortable four-stroke lead while going into the final round but she was shocked by Juli. The meet, held in mid March, had a total prize purse of $ 1.4 million of which the winner received $ 210,000.

Past Winners

Laura Davies had won the Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola four times in a row while current world No.1 Annika Sorenstam has won this meet on three occasions. Here is a list of winners who have won here since it became part of the LPGA Tour.

Juli Inkster 2006 Annika Sorenstam 2005-04; 2001 Se Ri Pak 2003 Rachel Teske 2002 Charlotta Sorenstam 2000 Karrie Webb 1999 Liselotte Neumann 1998 Laura Davies 1997-94 Patty Shehan 1993 Danielle Ammaccapane 1992-91

Pat Bradley 1990; 1987 Allison Finney 1989 OK-Hee-Ku 1988 Mary Beth Zimmerman 1986 Betsy King 1985 Chris Johnson 1984 Anne-Marie Palli 1983 Beth Daniel 1982 Patty Hayes 1981 Jan Stephenson 1980

The Safeway International Presented by Coca-Cola is the fifth tournament on the tour's roster. As we continue on this tour we will learn about the other tournaments in the LPGA Tour.