ATLANTA -- Evian Natural Spring Water has just announced domestically the definitive selection of competitors and the international appeal of the upcoming Evian Masters Golf Tournament to be held on July 26th – 29th in Evian, France. The Evian Masters is the second largest tournament in women’s golf with a prize purse of 3 million and features an elite field of some of the sport’s top female players, including Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer, among others.
“Being the lead sponsor of such a wonderful and competitive event is an honor,” said Eric Leventhal, President of Evian North America. “Having it take place in the rustic countryside Evian, France, where our story begins, is even more special.”
The Evian Masters, marking its 13th year, is the epitome of a true international sporting event with players representing a multitude of diverse countries. The integration of the brand new Rolex Rankings to play a role in the selection process has produced 17 players qualifying for the final field resulting in more Japanese and Korean players than ever before.
Among the elite present at the Evian Masters is Annika Sorenstam, strong off of her 10th major title at the US Open and solidifying her standing as the top player in the world. Lorena Ochoa, the young and exciting Mexican standout is in the middle or a run with two victories and is the new leader of the ADT money list. Back for her third time and tied for second, 16 year old prodigy Michelle Wie locks in the no. 2 spot on the Rolex Rankings. Major winners in 2006, Australian Karrie Webb and Korean Se Ri Pak will compete alongside defending 2005 Evian Masters champion, American Paula Creamer. European no. 1, Patricia Meunier-Lebouc will also be teeing off.
The Japanese presence in the playing field is noteworthy with no. 10 in the world Yuri Fudoh, Japan’s number one for six years running and the first player to earn 10 victories in the same year (2003). She is joined by country-mates Ai Miyazato, winner of six titles in Japan and now on the US circuit, and Sakura Yokomine, no. 20 in the world.
The only amateur invited to the 2006 event will be Amy Yang. The young Korean earned her qualification by winning the ANZ Ladies Masters in Australia at the ripe age of 16 years old.
During the four-day tournament, images and scoring updates will be made available to the media via email. For any direct media queries and photos of individual players please email Jason T. Hill at jhill@5wpr.com or via phone at 212.999.5585.
About Evian
Bottled since 1826, Evian Natural Spring Water is the world’s leading brand of bottled water. Every drop of Evian takes over 15 years to filter through mineral rich glacial sands in the pristine French Alps. Bottled at the Source in a state of the art facility, Evian comes from the Cachat Spring located on the Southern shore of Lake Geneva, in the town of Evian-le-Bains. Evian provides a uniquely balanced mineral composition and subtle flavor as a product of its unhurried journey.
Today, Evian is a brand of Danone Group, a leader in the food industry and number one by volume in the world for packaged water and dairy products. Evian first entered the U.S. market in 1978, where it was served in the finest bars and restaurants in distinctive glass bottles, and is now accepted as the natural spring water for this whole like to treat themselves to the very best, including many of Hollywood’s elite.
For more information, please visit www.eviandetox.com.
Contacts:
Jason T. Hill Christian Borges
5W Public Relations 5W Public Relations
212-999-5585 ext. 256 212-999-5585 ext. 219
jhill@5wpr.com cborges@5wpr.com
