|
 |
|
ChampionsGate Resort
MBNA to title sponsor the 11th Annual Father/Son Challenge, DEC. 1-4
Courtesy Championsgate Golf Club
ORLANDO, Fla. - MBNA, the largest independent credit card lender in the world, will title sponsor the 11TH annual Father/Son Challenge, a professional golf event to be held at the spectacular ChampionsGate Golf Resort, Dec. 1-4, 2005.
MBNA's sponsorship of the 2005 Father/Son Challenge celebrates the launch of a new experiential feature in the WorldPoints rewards program. Customers may now redeem points earned by using many MBNA credit cards toward unique experiences, including attendance at this year's Father/Son Challenge. WorldPoints is endorsed by thousands of MBNA's affinity partners.
The MBNA WorldPoints Father/Son Challenge is a very special event for the professionals and they look forward to the playing each year.
 Tim and Todd Graves' "The Father-Son Challenge was my first competition with him (13-year-old son, Qass), and really, the highlight of my year," said Vijay Singh. "I know he enjoyed it, but I think I enjoyed it more. He's my baby, and it was an honor to play with him the past two years."
"It's always special to spend time with our children, and playing with them in the tournament is one of the highlights of the year for us," said Jack Nicklaus. It's also a chance to get together between the holidays with the families of the players we have competed against for most of our careers. The friendships run deep."
"It's the memories we share with our sons and the other teams that makes it so special," said five-time Father/Son Challenge winner Raymond Floyd. "Every pro will say this, but to win a tournament with your son, well that is one of the biggest thrills of your career."
"Words cannot describe the joy of participating in the Father-Son Challenge," said defending champion Larry Nelson. "There is a sensational feeling that you experience in sharing quality time with your son and your fellow PGA professionals and their sons and our families. It is very hard to describe, but oh is it special. And winning last year's event made it even more memorable. My son and I look forward to defending our championship in the Father/Son Challenge."
"No matter where I finish, this tournament is one of my favorites," said Hall of Famer Lee Trevino. "Truth is, it's more special for me than any of the other fathers competing. I never spent enough time with my sons when they were growing up. You can't make that time up, but this sure helps."
"This is one of the most unique title sponsorship opportunities in all of sports," said Alastair Johnston, Vice-Chairman of IMG. "The theme of a parent sharing the experience of playing as a team with his kid resonates specifically from the development of family businesses to, generally, any environment where imparting knowledge or guidance is paramount to the product or service being promoted."
"Throughout the years all the professional fathers that have played in this event have said it is one of the best weeks of the year and now MBNA and their guests and card holders will have a chance to enjoy something very special and very unique," said tournament director Craig Umland. "We are thrilled with MBNA's commitment to the event and are very excited to join with them and begin planning to make their experience one to remember."
The Father/Son Challenge is one of the favorite tour stops for all the fathers and sons invited to participate each year during the holiday season. In order to be eligible, all of the fathers must have won a major championship on the PGA TOUR.
The teams will play for the prestigious Willie Park Trophy, replica belts named in honor of the winner of the first British Open in 1860 and a $1 million purse.
Larry Nelson and his son will return to defend their championship. After three top-five finishes in their previous five appearances, Larry and Drew captured their first father/son challenge title last year in record fashion. The Nelsons birdied their last eight holes, posting a final-round 59 and a tournament-record-tying, two-round total of 25-under-par 119, three shots clear of 1998 champions Bob and David Charles. Larry Nelson will play with his other son, Josh, in this year's tournament.
In addition to the Nelsons, past father-son champions include: Hale and Steve Irwin (2003), Craig and Kevin Stadler (2002), Ray and Robert Floyd (2000-01), Jack and Gary Nicklaus (1999), Bob and David Charles (1998), Ray and Ray Floyd Jr. (1995-97).
Tournament activities begin with a two-day pro-am on Thursday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 2. The 36-hole event, played under a scramble format, will be Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4. NBC will televise the event on both days.
|
For more information, reservations or tee times, please call toll free, 866-342-4782
|
