Kraft Nabisco Championship - Top Notch Women's Golf at the Kraft Nabisco Championship

The Kraft Nabisco Championship going to be the very first major golf tournament of the year for the women of the LPGA Tour.  After a great 2008 season, it is time to get things rolling in 2009.  This year, the Kraft Nabisco Championship tournament will be taking place at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course.  This scenic course is located at the Mission Hills Country Club in beautiful Rancho Mirage, California.  This course is near Palm Springs, California and is absolutely stunning.  The weather is perfect, and the surroundings are equally impressive.  The tournament will be held for the 38th consecutive year at this wonderful location.

LPGA golf fans everywhere are getting set for the event which kicks off on Monday, March 30th.  This day has been designated for practice rounds.  Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Kraft Nabisco Championship Celebrity Pro-Am rounds are scheduled to take place.  Finally, the championship play will commence on Thursday, April 2nd.  Play will continue through Sunday, April 5th.  There is a $2 million purse at stake, and those in attendance are sure to see some of the best women's golf on the planet.

Last year, the 2008 champion was Lorena Ochoa.  This year, the list of players is equally impressive.  More than one hundred of the top female golfers in the world will be coming to play, including last year's defending champion.  Be on the lookout for other quality players like Yan Tseng, Na Yeon Choi, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbus, Katherine Hull, Helen Alfredsson, and many of the other premier high ranking amateurs from across the nation.

The Kraft Nabisco Championship is being sponsored by Kraft Foods Global, Inc.  They are planning a special week of top notch golf and activities for the fans.  The tournament will also serve to generate funds for some important charities.  United Way of the Desert is slated to receive support, and so is the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs.  Other major beneficiaries include Food For All, the LPGA Foundation, YMCA of the Desert, and the Desert Junior Golf Association.  While this tournament is about world class golf, it is great to see that the local community organizations are getting involved as well.

You can purchase tickets for the Kraft Nabisco Championship online until March 20th, 2009.  After that, you will still be able to get tickets locally.  There are multiple locations in Rancho Mirage for you to pick yours up, and residents of the area can expect to get discounts at City Hall or the Library.  As always, tickets will also be available at the gate, so you will definitely be able to get in one way or another.  Parking is located in Cathedral City, close to the main event.  You can check online for directions.  Note that there is no parking at the country club itself.  A shuttle system will bring people to and from the parking lots to the main gate of the golf course.  The shuttle is free, and there is even handicap access for those who need it.

Grandstands are located on the #1 and #18 holes of the course.  There is no reserved seating, so get to the Kraft Nabisco Championship early if you want to grab the best seats.  Speaking of the best seats, you can also upgrade your tickets to get into the Kraft Pavilion.  This pavilion really is the best seat in the house.  It overlooks the 18th green at Mission Hills Country Club and with this ticket you get access to onsite parking at the country club.  A continental breakfast is served, and you will also be able to attend a buffet lunch.  On top of all this, complimentary wine, Coke, and Miller products will be available to those in attendance at the Kraft Pavilion.

There are a few restrictions in terms of what you can bring to the Kraft Nabisco Championship.  Cell phones and pagers must be put on silent.  This is intended to keep players from being distracted.  Unexpected cell phone ring-tones could disrupt the play for the golfers.  Cameras will only be allowed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  They are prohibited for the rest of the event because the flash can be distracting for the players.  In addition, coolers, backpacks, and large bags are also prohibited for safety reasons.  However, if you want, you can bring lawn chairs or golf stools for your comfort.  It is recommended that you also bring sunscreen, a hat, walking shoes, and binoculars.  The sunny weather in this part of Palm Springs California is great, but watch out for sunburn.  Don't forget to dress in layers either.  It can be pretty cool in the morning and the late afternoon.

Food, drinks, and souvenirs will be available for purchase throughout the Kraft Nabisco Championship event.  You can even get autographs from the players.  Just make sure to wait to request one until the end of their round to avoid distractions.  Check the pairings and see when your favorite players are scheduled to come off the course.  It is going to be a great event with lots to do, so get your tickets early.

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