LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2023 – Tournament officials announced today that 2023 U.S. Solheim Cup Assistant Captain Natalie Gulbis, Los Angeles resident and Epson Tour winner Muni He and Epson Tour rookie Heather Lin have accepted sponsor exemptions to compete in the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, April 27-30 at Wilshire Country Club.
An inaugural event on the LPGA Tour, the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro will feature a $3 million tournament purse, one of the largest prize funds on the LPGA Tour outside of major championships.
“It is an honor and a blessing to partner with the LPGA Tour for the upcoming JM Eagle LA Championship and are excited to have Natalie, Muni and Heather join our world-class field as sponsor exemptions,” said Walter Wang, CEO of JM Eagle. “These three span the journey of a competitive golfer, from amateur standouts who are in the early stages of their professional careers to a proven tournament winner and LPGA Tour veteran. We look forward to supporting these great athletes and welcoming them to Wilshire Country Club in April.”
“Playing near my home in Newport Beach, I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to play in the inaugural JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro at Wilshire Country Club,” said Gulbis. “It’s extraordinary what JM Eagle and Plastpro are doing with this inaugural
championship in elevating the tournament purse to $3 million and channeling a passion for empowering women athletes – that’s everything that I want for women’s golf. I’m honored to have the opportunity to tee-it-up against the best athletes in the world later this month at Wilshire Country Club.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the field at the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro at one of my home courses, Wilshire Country Club,” said He. “Wilshire has always been a favorite stop of mine on the LPGA schedule. Thank you to JM Eagle, Plastpro and Wilshire Country Club for elevating this great championship and giving me the opportunity to compete against the best players in the world in my hometown.”
Gulbis, the 2023 U.S. Solheim Cup assistant team captain, is an LPGA Tour winner and one of the most recognized athletes in women’s golf. In 2007, she won the Evian Masters, the predecessor to the Amundi Evian Championship. She is a three-time member on victorious U.S. Solheim Cup teams (2005, 2007, 2009), and has been an LPGA Tour Member since 2002. Off the course, Gulbis is active in promoting educational, health and fitness opportunities for children. She is a long-time ambassador for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, and serves nationally on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
He, an Epson Tour winner, Los Angeles resident and former member of the USC Trojans women’s golf team, will make her domestic debut on the LPGA Tour in 2023. She began her 2023 season at the Honda LPGA Thailand, finishing T27, and competed last week at the Lotte Championship. In 2022, He recorded a season-best T5 finish at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship in 20 events. An honorary member at Wilshire Country Club, He also was medalist at the 2019 LPGA Q-Series, earning her full status on the LPGA Tour for the first time in 2020.
Lin, an All Pac-12 first-team selection from the University of Oregon who helped lead Oregon to its first Pac-12 title in program history, turned professional following graduation in 2022 and is a rookie on the Epson Tour for the 2023 season. She has recorded two top-10 finishes in her first four events, including a T4 finish in her professional debut at the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic in February.
They will join an elite international field of 144 players that includes major champions and former world No. 1 players. Eight of the top-10 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings are entered into the championship, including World No. 2 Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko (3), Minjee Lee (4), Atthaya Thitikul (5), Brooke Henderson (7), Celine Boutier (8), Hyo-Joo Kim (9) and Georgia Hall (10).
Gulbis and He also join several Southern California-area residents/natives who are committed to the championship, including Danielle Kang, Alison Lee, Andrea Lee, Lizette Salas, Lilia Vu and Angel Yin. Players have until Wednesday, April 19 to commit to the JM Eagle LA Championship. For a complete list of tournament entries, click HERE.
JM Eagle is the world’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer, an innovative leader that combines advanced technology with superior customer service to create the industry’s most sophisticated
and diverse products. Walter Wang is the founder, Chairman and CEO of JM Eagle. Plastpro, founded by CEO Shirley Wang, is the leading manufacturer of fiberglass entry doors. Walter and Shirley Wang are heavily involved in philanthropic initiatives throughout the world through their companies and the Walter and Shirley Wang Foundation.
Tickets On Sale: Tickets are on sale for the 2023 JM Eagle LA Championship exclusively online at www.jmeaglelachampionship.com. Ticket packages include exclusive hospitality and general admissions tickets offering a wide degree of entertainment and access. All 2023 tournament tickets will be digital and will be emailed after purchase. Tickets can be viewed on either a mobile device or printed out where they will be scanned at the main gate.
JM Eagle LA Championship Ticket Options: There are currently four ticket options available for spectators interested in attending the JM Eagle LA Championship:
• Daily Grounds:
o General admission daily grounds, valid any one day: Thursday-Sunday, April 27- 30.
▪ $25 (Valid any one day)
• Weekly Grounds:
o General admission daily grounds, valid Thursday-Sunday, April 27-30. ▪ $45 (Valid all days Thursday-Sunday)
• Sunset Lounge 18th Green Hospitality:
o Open-air, semi-private hospitality suite overlooking the 18th green. Includes soft drinks, light snacks, water and cash bar. Valid competition rounds, Thursday Sunday, April 27-30.
▪ $99 (Valid any one day)
• Macbeth Pass 18th Green Hospitality:
o Premium hospitality ticket providing access to the Wilshire Country Club clubhouse with complimentary food and beverages. Also provides access to the Sunset Lounge hospitality suite overlooking the 18th green. Weekly and Daily Tickets are available throughout competition days (Thursday, April 27 - Sunday, April 30).
▪ Daily: $375 (Valid any one day)
▪ Weekly: $1,500 (Valid all competition days Thursday-Sunday)
All military personnel (active, retired, reserve and veteran) and first responders (police, fire, EMS) and immediate family (up to four total) will receive complimentary admission to the tournament, compliments of SERVPRO. Tickets will be available at Will Call tournament week by showing proper identification. Military and first responders also will have complimentary access to the SERVPRO Hero Outpost, an exclusive hospitality suite overlooking the 18th green. Complimentary Hero Outpost tickets are available at www.jmeaglelachampionship.com. Children under 18 also will be admitted free into the tournament with a paid adult.
Volunteer Registration Open: Volunteer registration for the JM Eagle LA Championship is open. Each year, hundreds of volunteers donate their time to serve critical needs such as marshaling, scoring, transportation, hospitality services and many other important roles. The JM
Eagle LA Championship is seeking more than 500 volunteers to fill a variety of roles tournament week. The $65 package includes one official tournament branded golf shirt; a hat or visor; volunteer pin; one volunteer badge allowing clubhouse access and free parking all week; four daily grounds tickets; and free breakfast and lunch for each day worked. For more information on volunteer for the 2023 JM Eagle LA Championship, visit
www.jmeaglelachampionship.com/volunteer.
The JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro takes place at historic Wilshire Country Club in the heart of Hollywood. Wilshire Country Club has a long history hosting professional golf events, and is one of a select few venues to host events on the LPGA Tour, PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.
For more information about the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, visit www.JMEagleLAChampionship.com, as well as on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @JMEagleLAChamp.
About JM Eagle
At JM Eagle, we're passionate about creating top-quality plastic pipes that are strong, efficient, and long-lasting. JM Eagle manufactures the widest array of high-grade, high-performance plastic pipes in the industry and offers a steady flow of innovative products and materials for our customers. Our pipes are used in a wide range of industries, including water distribution, wastewater management, plumbing, irrigation, and telecommunications.
As the preeminent plastic pipe manufacturer in the industry, JM Eagle has made significant investments in research and development, combining advanced product technology with state-of the-art automation. We consistently produce the highest quality plastic pipe in the industry and are committed to ensuring ongoing product excellence. We're proud of our reputation as a trusted and reliable provider of piping solutions as we have the greatest capacity and geographic reach. At JM Eagle, we stand behind our products and offer a 50-year warranty, which is the best in the industry.
At JM Eagle, we're also committed to community responsibility, delivering life's essentials through the most eco-friendly plastic pipe products on the market. We'll continue to manufacture plastic pipes to serve the world's growing needs, offering reliable products and expertise to satisfy customer demand across many industries and applications. For additional information, visit www.jmeagle.com.
About Plastpro
Plastpro is a leading manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass doors and entry systems for residential and commercial properties. Since 1994, we have been committed to providing superior products with the best value, technology, and commitment to our customers. Our doors are designed to offer the beauty and versatility of wood doors, but with the strength and durability of steel doors. Our fiberglass doors are resistant to weather damage, require less maintenance, and offer higher performance ratings than traditional wood and steel doors.
Our doors feature innovative technology such as HydroShield, composite stiles and rails, and composite Polyfiber (PF) frames, as well as a full-length LVL block for added strength and
security. With a wide variety of designs, sizes, and styles, we offer something to complement every home or building.
At Plastpro we’re not just committed to providing superior products, but also to creating positive changes for our employees, customers and the community. We partner with Habitat for Humanity and other non-profit organizations to donate doors to help create affordable, greenhousing initiatives for low-income families across the nation. We believe that success is only as good as the good it creates, and we’re dedicated to making a difference in the world. For additional information about Plastpro Inc., visit www.plastproinc.com.
About Outlyr
Outlyr is a global event management, sponsorship consulting and activation agency that specializes in the development and execution of engaging events experiences. Outlyr believes in the power of relationships – driving connectivity through sports and cultural experiences – to create strategic marketing platforms and high-quality activations, enhancing affinity for its clients and brands. Outlyr manages 10 professional golf tournaments; a number of sporting, hospitality and lifestyle events; and manages the sponsorship portfolio for several blue-chip clients. For additional information on Outlyr, visit www.Outlyr.com
About the LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive.
Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Epson Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries.
Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and game-changers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone.
Follow the LPGA on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel, online at www.LPGA.com and on its mobile apps. Join the social conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Jeremy Friedman
JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro
Outlyr
407-721-9752
jfriedman@outlyr.com