You may be aware of the fact that Kia sponsors the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), but you may not know that the auto brand is also the "Official Tournament Vehicle" for the sport. This year, Kia will award a first-place check of $255,000 to the winner of the third annual Kia Classic (which takes place from March 19-25)- as well as one of the first range-topping 2012 Kia Optima Limited vehicles to roll off production lines in West Point, Georgia.

Michael Sprague, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Kia North America, explains the endeavor. He states, "Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles. We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year's Kia Classic. The Optima Limited is Kia's most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour's best players for their outstanding performances."¹

Kia will also offer the vehicle as an award to the winner of the Kia Performance Award, which will be presented at the CME Group Title holders even in November. Other awards to be presented include the Kia Power Drive Award, which goes to the player with the most Top 10 finishes this year.

Be sure to stay tuned into this year's LPGA events to see Kia's involvement, and check back regularly here with Casey Kia, located at 11999 Jefferson Ave, Newport News for more updates about the new Kia Optima Limited's arrival.

Source: ¹http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/Kia-Motors-America-Announces-Kia-Classic-Winner-to-Receive-New-Rangetopping-Optima-LimitedAllNew-Kia-Performance-Awa-21925754