Pro Golfers Set to Tee-it-up in Utah Championship

Wednesday, 09 September 2009 00:00

Salt Lake City (Sept. 3, 2010) — A crowded field of some of the world's best golfers returns to Willow Creek Country Club in Sandy next week for the Utah Championship, the state's only official PGA TOUR event on the Nationwide Tour. When the pros tee-it-up Thursday morning they'll be competing for a piece of the tournament's $550,000 purse, and perhpas more importantly, a spot on next year's PGA TOUR. Nationwide Tour players who finish the season ranked in the top 25 automatically earn their PGA Tour cards for next year.

"We're approaching the end of the season on the Nationwide Tour and these guys are all fighting for one of those coveted spots in the top 25," said Tournament Director Mike Smith. " These players really are the future stars of the PGA TOUR and our tournament provides local golf fans with an opportunity to see them play right here in our owwn back yard."

Past champions have gone on to have tremendous success on the PGA TOUR, most notably former champion Zach Johnson who won the Masters in 2007.

Members of the media are invited to cover all the other events associated with tournament week. Highlights include:

Monday, Sept. 6: The pros get their first shot at Willow Creek when they tee off with local amateurs in the event's Monday pro-am.

Tuesday, Sept. 7: The caddies take center stage for the 2nd annual closest-to-the-hole pond skipping contest, caddies skip balls from one of the course's fairway accross a pond and onto the green. Closest to the pin walks away the winner. Tuesday evening will be the judging for the 3rd annual Moustache Madness Contest, the player, TOUR official or volunteer who grows the "gnarliest" moustache will be pronounced the winner. Also on Tuesday evening is the second annual Fins and Pins fly fishing derby and bowling tournament. All events take place at Willow Creek.

Wednesday, Sept. 8: The pros tee it up for another corporate pro-am during the day, while their wives head out from Willow Creek for a community service project. Later that evening the corporate pro-am awards are handed out during the Sponsor Appreciation Gala.

Thursday, Sept. 9 & Friday Sept. 10: Tournament week gets down to business with the first pros teeing off at 7:30 a.m. The field will be cut to the lowest 60 scores (including ties) on Friday evening. Following play on Friday there will be live music featuring the Daniel Day Trio. "Live from Hog Willow Presented by The Hog Wallow Bar" will last until 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11: The third round begins at 9 a.m. at Willow Creek. Later that afternoon at 4 p.m. there is a Kid's Clinic on the Willow Creek driving range with Touring professional golfers offering instruction and tips to kids. This will be free admission with each child recieving a free hot dog, drink and golf club, while supplies last. "Live from Hog Willow Presented by The Hog Wallow Bar" continues Saturday night with music from Joy and Eric.

Sunday, Sept. 12: The final round tees off at 9 a.m. with the Champion's Trophy presentation taking place on the the 18th green later that evening.

This year's tournament will again be broadcast live across the country on The Golf Channel. More than 20 hours of coverage are currently scheduled including live coverage of the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday.

"The Golf Channel gives us the opportunity to reach out to a national audience and showcase the natural beauty of our state," said Utah Sports Commission President & CEO Jeff Robbins. "We're honored to be the host organization of the tournament and are proud of all the many ways it benefits our community."

This year, fans are encouraged to buy tickets through one of 14 local charities that are participating in the Tickets FORE Charity program. The program allows charities to sell tickets to the tournament and retain ninety percent of the proceeds from the sales. Visit www.utahchampionship.com for  a complete list of participating charities.

For all other tournament dial 801-495-GOLF

 

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