Las Vegas, Nevada 3/18/2007 12:34:35 AM
News / Sports

World Series of Golf ® Reinvents Amateur Tournaments With Innovative New Format

The World Series of Golf tees off May 13 – 17 in Las Vegas, introducing the most exciting golf wagering tournament since the Skins Game. To be played at the Tom Fazio designed Primm Valley Golf Club, the tournament combines the skill of golf with the wagering savvy of poker and gives amateur players the thrilling opportunity to compete for $750,000 in prize money on NBC national television.

The World Series of Golf will be played in a patent-pending method of play that allows for high stakes to ride on each and every shot of the tournament. Similar to poker, players must ante up before teeing off at each hole. Depending on the outcome of the tee shots, the player can then raise, call, check or fold on subsequent shots, with the winner of the hole collecting the pot. Wagers on each individual shot will depend on the player’s position, their confidence to make the next shot, and the position of their opponents. The result is a dramatic competition in which every shot counts, and wagering strategy is just as important as skill. As in poker, when a player no longer has any chips to ante up, that player is eliminated. The winner of each group moves onto the next round until the final group yields the golfer who is crowned the champion of the World Series of Golf. With a maximum field of 180 golfers, the tournament will take place over three rounds. To win the first prize of $250,000 golfers need only to defeat 14 other players in head-to-head competition.

“The World Series of Golf is a completely new way to experience the game of golf. It demands skill on the links, betting savvy and nerves of steel,” said Terry Leiweke, president of the World Series of Golf. “For any golfer who has ever said ‘I’d bet anything that I can make this shot,’ now is his chance to prove it.”

Registration for up to 180 amateur players is now open at www.worldseriesofgolf.com. The buy-in for the tournament is $10,000, which is immediately won back by every player who wins their initial pairing and advances to the second round. Due to the large purse of the event, and the unique method of play, participants must go through an accreditation process to substantiate their golf handicap. This ensures an even playing field with golfers competing against others of similar skill.

The World Series of Golf not only promises high drama and high stakes, but as part of the buy-in, participants will enjoy a VIP stay at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, the official host hotel of the event. In addition to world-class accommodations and amenities, participants will enjoy an opening night pairings party, pre-arranged transportation to and from the course, special entertainment and a closing night awards banquet in which the winner of the event is crowned and the $250,000 first place prize is awarded.

Scott Sibella, president of The Mirage, said, “The Mirage is pleased to be the first Las Vegas resort to partner with the World Series of Golf. We are excited to continue our tradition of hosting some of the city’s most dynamic events. As one of the leaders in the entertainment industry, we look forward to combining the elements of poker and golf and believe this event will create a unique experience for the competitors and our guests.”

In addition to The Mirage, the World Series of Golf has assembled a dream team of partners that have a proven track record of producing exceptional golf and sporting events.

The event will be produced by Octagon, the global sports and entertainment marketing arm of the Interpublic Group. Industry pioneers in the field of sports and entertainment event management, Octagon has a presence in 23 countries in six continents and manages more than 3,200 events yearly. Octagon’s Dan Baker has been named Tournament Director of the World Series of Golf. Mr. Baker has 16 years experience in sports event management, and has served previously as tournament director for such high profile golf events as the Walker Cup, the Ryder Cup and the PGA TOUR Greater Hartford Open.

The World Series of Golf is scheduled to be televised nationally on NBC TV on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. NBC Sports embodies excellence in sports broadcasting, and is the network home to such marquee golf events as the Ryder Cup, the Players Championship, the U.S. Open, the U.S. Seniors Open and U.S. Ladies Open. In addition, NBC is also home to the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, and the Olympic Games, among other major sports broadcasts.

Van Wagner Sports Group, LLC. is also a partner to The World Series of Golf. A leading national sports media sales organization, Van Wagner Sports Group, LLC. worked with Mr. Leiweke to secure the NBC relationship and will handle all of the integrated media and sponsorship sales for The World Series of Golf.

Contact: 
 
Mark Walsh, TBC
575 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018
Phone: 646-366-1470
Website: http://www.worldseriesofgolf.com

Source: www.prurgent.com