Amateur Golfers Compete for World Title on Television
February 2, 2005 -- Entries are now being accepted for THE GLENLIVET World Team Open, 2005, presented by THE GLENLIVET Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This new no-handicap amateur golf tournament brings together more than 2,000 four-person amateur teams to compete for the chance to play in a nationally televised final event on October 15, 2005 at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links in Half Moon Bay, CA.
The top 32 teams to survive four preliminary Regional Qualifying rounds will earn a spot in the stroke-play championship finals. In addition to earning the prestigious title of "World's Best Amateur Team," the contestants will vie for a $25,000 grand prize.
These regional winners will also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to the finals, including airfare and luxury accommodations. And to add an element of fun and intrigue to this high stakes game, each team that makes it to the final round will be joined by a major sports or entertainment celebrity. Celebrity scores will not count in team totals. Top public and private courses all across America are currently being selected to host qualifying rounds.
New Format Creates World Stage For Low-Handicap Golfers
"THE GLENLIVET World Team Open fills a hole in the amateur golf landscape," said Eric Parton, tournament founder. "Tournaments for low-handicap golfers are generally for individuals or pairs and are most often local events.
"We wanted to create a true team event that showcased top amateur talent on a broader stage. The inaugural event will focus on teams from North America, but in the future, we envision regional competition throughout the world. Company sponsorship of teams will add a unique element to the competition."
Players and sponsoring companies from all rounds will be featured in a tournament summary that will run in a major golf publication following the finals. Entry fees are $3,000 per team and include green fees for all rounds.
"This is a rare chance for an amateur low-handicap golfer to represent his or her company and home course on a national stage," said Mike Dikas, president of EMDAL, the tournament promoter.
Various celebrations and contests will take place during finals weekend. The public will be encouraged to attend the Championship round to see some great golf and their favorite celebrity.
"As a long-time supporter of the golf community, we're thrilled to be a part of this tournament," said Craig Johnson, Senior Brand Manager, THE GLENLIVET. "Not only does THE GLENLIVET World Team Open celebrate one of the oldest and greatest sports, but it's for a very worthy cause."
THE GLENLIVET World Team Open is dedicated to the memory of Bert Zeldin, former Vice President of Sports at NBC, who died of cancer in 1998. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Bertram J. Zeldin Foundation for cancer patient assistance.
THE GLENLIVET World Team Open is a production of EMDAL, Inc., a sports marketing firm based in San Carlos, CA. The event is presented exclusively by THE GLENLIVET Single Malt Scotch Whisky, marketed in the U.S. by Pernod Ricard USA, based in White Plains, NY.
Official sponsors include: KineSYS Inc., San Rafael, CA, a sunscreen marketer; Solar Gear, Inc., San Leandro, CA, makers of UV-X sun guard clothing; Warrior Custom Golf, Irvine, CA, makers of custom golf clubs; Yodawobe, Inc., Wilton, CT, creators of GoGoGolf.net; and Turner Broadcasting, New York City, NY.
For more information, please contact:
David Jacobson
T: 650-508-1088, ext. 315
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