"Kids Get a Front Row Seat" at The 2003 U.S. Women's Open

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The United States Golf Association (USGA) and Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, co-hosts of the 2003 U.S. Women's Open, guarantee that kids will get a close look at the world's greatest women golfers when the national championship comes to North Plains, Ore., June 30-July 6.

"Kids Get a Front Row Seat" is a part of the "Catch the Spirit" program, which is open to youth ages 17 and under during the week of the championship. In addition to premier seating, juniors will benefit from the program's educational focus and emphasis on fun and hands-on teaching. All week they will have access to golf course tours, a practice putting green and golf course scavenger hunts.

"Catch the Spirit" began in 1991 in an effort to attract more youth and families to the game of golf and to USGA championships. The goal of the program is to provide exposure to the game - its rich history, heroes and lessons - to a new generation of golfers. This is the 13th consecutive year this special program for juniors has been part of the U.S. Women's Open.

As part of the "Catch the Spirit" program, juniors will receive:

• Complimentary admission to the championship when accompanied by a ticketed adult
• Front-row seating in all on-course grandstands, Monday through Sunday
• A chance to hone skills and have fun on a putting green set up just for juniors
• Opportunity to participate in a golf course scavenger hunt
• "Inside the Ropes" tours of the golf course
• Complimentary lunch voucher
• Complimentary "Catch the Spirit" cap

Activities are offered daily Monday through Wednesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To allow for maximum participation, expanded hours are offered on the days of championship play: Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The "Catch the Spirit" program is part of the USGA's ongoing effort to support initiatives that make golf more affordable, accessible and fun for the game's newest players. This includes a $50 million commitment to support programs and projects that are consistent with these goals.

For additional information regarding the "Catch the Spirit" program, contact the USGA Foundation office (719) 471-4810, ext. 38.

For more information about the 2003 U.S. Women's Open Championship, or to purchase tickets, please visit our Web site at www.uswomensopen.com or call (866) 503-2003.