This golf repair tool has the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic logo.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
GGO Name Games
I will go on record and say that I think the tournament held here in Greensboro should see this momentary lack of sponsorship as an opportunity to reclaim its former glory and call itself the Greater Greensboro Open.
Notice I refered to it as a "tournament", which is a contest composed of a series of elimination rounds and not an "event" which is a social gathering or a single item on a sports program.
For whatever reason the local daily paper has taken to refering to the golf tournament as a "golf event". I understand that hundreds of people come to it each year and never see a single drive, but the truth is that it is an officially sanctioned PGA TOUR, not PGA, tournament.
Notice I refered to it as a "tournament", which is a contest composed of a series of elimination rounds and not an "event" which is a social gathering or a single item on a sports program.
For whatever reason the local daily paper has taken to refering to the golf tournament as a "golf event". I understand that hundreds of people come to it each year and never see a single drive, but the truth is that it is an officially sanctioned PGA TOUR, not PGA, tournament.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Happy Birthday Greater Greensboro Open Blog
January 26, 2006 marks the first birthday for the Greater Greensboro Open Blog. The ggoblogger, Randy Harris, would like to thank everyone that has helped to make this year special.
I've had 7,159 visitors to the site over the year and the blog boast no less than 746 posts. (That's an average of over two a day.)
I've also made some great friends over the year, gate I'm talking about you, and I've recently connected with some friends the tournament made over 30 years ago.
As far as future plans for this blog go, I am not sure. There are certainly a lot of new developments each day with the tournament, but for now I will be sticking to my original plan- which was to do this until it wasn't fun anymore.
(Just for the record it was fun 361 days out of the last 365.)
Thank you to all my reader(s),
Randy Harris
ggoblogger
I've had 7,159 visitors to the site over the year and the blog boast no less than 746 posts. (That's an average of over two a day.)
I've also made some great friends over the year, gate I'm talking about you, and I've recently connected with some friends the tournament made over 30 years ago.
As far as future plans for this blog go, I am not sure. There are certainly a lot of new developments each day with the tournament, but for now I will be sticking to my original plan- which was to do this until it wasn't fun anymore.
(Just for the record it was fun 361 days out of the last 365.)
Thank you to all my reader(s),
Randy Harris
ggoblogger
Monday, January 23, 2006
Charles and Williams
1974 Greater Greensboro Open Champion Bob Charles with 1974 Greater Greensboro Open General Chairman David E. Williams.
Firewall Starring Harrison Ford and Chrysler 300
The new movie Firewall will be starring the Chrysler 300 and Harrison Ford. Watch Harrison in this thriller, premiering February 10, 2006. Ford plays a computer-security expert forced to battle for his family's safety as a ruthless, tech-savvy hacker attempts to make him loot his own business for millions.
Chrysler Classic of Greensboro Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. - - The Chrysler Classic of Greensboro announced today that DaimlerChrysler Corporation has decided not to renew it’s sponsorship of the Piedmont Triad’s PGA TOUR event following the 2006 tournament.
Today’s announcement comes 10 days after the PGA TOUR announced that the tournament would move to the third week of August, starting in 2007. The 2007 tournament will be the final "regular season" event prior to the FedEx Cup championship series.
A search for a new title sponsor is already underway. "We certainly hate to see Chrysler go, but we knew this was a possibility," Tournament Director Mark Brazil said. "This year’s tournament will be our 11th with Chrysler, and they’ve been a great partner. Their decision to move in a different direction was a business decision and not a reflection on our tournament at all. We’ll do everything we can to make their last tournament with us the best it can possibly be. It’s been a great 11-year run, and the entire Piedmont Triad community thanks Chrysler for their loyalty.
"Since we knew Chrysler’s departure was a possibility, we were already working on contingency plans. We have had casual conversations with several companies. Now that we know for sure, we can get serious with our sponsor search."
The 2006 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro is set for Oct. 2-8 at Forest Oaks Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. Additional tournament information is available at www.chryslerclassic.org http://www.chryslerclassicgso.com/ or through the tournament office at (336) 379-1570.
Today’s announcement comes 10 days after the PGA TOUR announced that the tournament would move to the third week of August, starting in 2007. The 2007 tournament will be the final "regular season" event prior to the FedEx Cup championship series.
A search for a new title sponsor is already underway. "We certainly hate to see Chrysler go, but we knew this was a possibility," Tournament Director Mark Brazil said. "This year’s tournament will be our 11th with Chrysler, and they’ve been a great partner. Their decision to move in a different direction was a business decision and not a reflection on our tournament at all. We’ll do everything we can to make their last tournament with us the best it can possibly be. It’s been a great 11-year run, and the entire Piedmont Triad community thanks Chrysler for their loyalty.
"Since we knew Chrysler’s departure was a possibility, we were already working on contingency plans. We have had casual conversations with several companies. Now that we know for sure, we can get serious with our sponsor search."
The 2006 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro is set for Oct. 2-8 at Forest Oaks Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. Additional tournament information is available at www.chryslerclassic.org http://www.chryslerclassicgso.com/ or through the tournament office at (336) 379-1570.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Kmart Greater Greensboro Open Crest
This crest from the Kmart Greater Greensboro Open has the Forest Oaks Country Club and Duracell Pro-Am logos.
Kmart Greater Greensboro Open Crest
This crest was worn hanging from a jacket pocket. The ggoblogger found this at a yard sale the Jaycees held back in 1998.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
1975 Greater Greensboro Open Hostess-Linda Treutel-Gutierrez
(I received this great email from former Greater Greensboro Open Hostess Linda Treutel (Gutierrez). I want to thank her for reading the blog and for such a wonderful gift. I hope you enjoy it.)
"Dear Randy,
What a surprise to find your blog and to see a younger version of myself as well! It brought back very fond memories of the '75 GGO at Sedgefield C.C. It was great to see Kathy Layton on your site too.
I returned to my 30th reunion at Guilford College a few months ago, hoping to find her there, however she wasn't able to attend... I'm still looking for her address, e-mail or phone number. Can you help?
Some of my best memories of the springtime GGOs of '74 and '75 were meeting such wonderful people. By '75 I was working part-time as an announcer at WBIG (remember Bob and Larry and Henry), while attending Guilford College. It was fun to interview some of the celebrities, such as Foster Brooks, Don Knotts and the "Songbird," Anne Murray. As a "Hostess," I met most of the pro golfers while driving a limo, delivering them to the C.C., the airport or wherever they were staying for the event. Along the way, we got to chat a bit.
My favorites: For his "all-around" appeal, Arnold Palmer; for his kindness and his love of family, Gary Player. I believe ChiChi Rodriguez won in '75? And many years later, I am Godmother of Senior player and Masters winner (many moons ago), Doug Ford's grandkids!
My folks moved to Sedgefield and lived there from around 1980 to 1990. My mother still lives in GSO, so I fly up from Florida several times a year. Perhaps, for old times sake, I'll try to attend the CCT (?) this October. Do you think I could get a pass for being a former GGO Hostess?!?
Yes, it truly was a memorable time. The Jaycees did a terrific job of organizing and promoting the GREATer Greensboro Open!
Thanks, Randy... for the memories!
Linda Treutel-Gutierrez"
Linda thanks for this wonderful email and I would love to hear more about the 1975 GGO. As a note to my reader(s)-Doug Ford won the Greater Greensboro Open in 1954 and Chi Chi won it in 1973.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
What's in a Name? (Reprise)
(The following is a post from 9/15/05. I love the comments from Melvin regarding the name of the tournament and you should also reread the line about the Hartford event considering their uncertain fate right now. Also, it just makes me think that calling the tournament the Greater Greensboro Open is a great idea. Enjoy.)
I was surprised by one of the comments made by Jim Melvin in the recent article entitled "Melvin:Golf Tourney in Peril" by Jim Schlosser in the Saturday, September 10, 2005 issue of the News & Record.
In that article Melvin suggested that one of the improvements that should be made to the event is to change the name of the tournament to reflect the entire region. Melvin said "He foresees an eventual change to "Carolina Chrysler Classic".
This seems to differ from what other local leaders, including Mayor Holliday, have been saying for years. The Jaycees have been encouraged to fight to keep the name "Greensboro" in the title of the event. (Greater Greensboro Open, Kmart Greater Greensboro Open, Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic and Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.) The Nike event was even called the Nike Greensboro Open.
Greensboro has always taken pride in the fact that it is one of the few remaining cities to have its name in the title of the event it host. The Greensboro Jaycee's sister chapter the Hartford Jaycees recently left the name Hartford out of its title, the Greater Hartford Open, to become the Buick Open.Which brings us to the tournament's name changes over the years. People have really held on to the GGO, the Greater Greensboro Open, title. Even though it has not officially been know as that for over ten years.(Happy 10th anniversary Chrysler.)
It's not just old timers and Green Coaters that won't let go, its also the local media. The print media has been the worst about letting go. Weekly papers in this area still refer to the tournament as the GGO. They usually make some sort of joke about how they know it's called something else, but they want to call it the GGO.
In sharp contrast, when was the last time you heard anyone refer to the local baseball team as the Hornets or Bats? Talk about media bias. The baseball team changes its name and everyones on board. I mean, you don't see article after article calling them the old name and making jokes about it.It makes me wonder. If the local media can do it for one sport, why not all of them? The truth is that Chrysler has been a great partner for ten years and eveytime an article is written that doesn't use their name-instead using one of the old ones-we as a community do this great sponsor a huge disservice.
I was surprised by one of the comments made by Jim Melvin in the recent article entitled "Melvin:Golf Tourney in Peril" by Jim Schlosser in the Saturday, September 10, 2005 issue of the News & Record.
In that article Melvin suggested that one of the improvements that should be made to the event is to change the name of the tournament to reflect the entire region. Melvin said "He foresees an eventual change to "Carolina Chrysler Classic".
This seems to differ from what other local leaders, including Mayor Holliday, have been saying for years. The Jaycees have been encouraged to fight to keep the name "Greensboro" in the title of the event. (Greater Greensboro Open, Kmart Greater Greensboro Open, Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic and Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.) The Nike event was even called the Nike Greensboro Open.
Greensboro has always taken pride in the fact that it is one of the few remaining cities to have its name in the title of the event it host. The Greensboro Jaycee's sister chapter the Hartford Jaycees recently left the name Hartford out of its title, the Greater Hartford Open, to become the Buick Open.Which brings us to the tournament's name changes over the years. People have really held on to the GGO, the Greater Greensboro Open, title. Even though it has not officially been know as that for over ten years.(Happy 10th anniversary Chrysler.)
It's not just old timers and Green Coaters that won't let go, its also the local media. The print media has been the worst about letting go. Weekly papers in this area still refer to the tournament as the GGO. They usually make some sort of joke about how they know it's called something else, but they want to call it the GGO.
In sharp contrast, when was the last time you heard anyone refer to the local baseball team as the Hornets or Bats? Talk about media bias. The baseball team changes its name and everyones on board. I mean, you don't see article after article calling them the old name and making jokes about it.It makes me wonder. If the local media can do it for one sport, why not all of them? The truth is that Chrysler has been a great partner for ten years and eveytime an article is written that doesn't use their name-instead using one of the old ones-we as a community do this great sponsor a huge disservice.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Foster Brooks
Foster Brooks is just one of the many celebrites that has appeared at the Greater Greensboro Open over the last 67 years.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Let's Call It the Greater Greensboro Open
What the Hell-Let's Call It the GGO.
I've been following all the recent changes to the tournament held in Greensboro since 1938 and I've heard the news that Chrysler may not be returning as the event's title sponsor.( I would first like to thank them for the eleven great years.)
Back in September when the Jaycees announced that they would be giving up control of the tournament, I over heard one of the newly appointed foundation board members say that we should change the name of the event to the "Carolina Classic of Greensboro" and I later saw this same comment in print. At the time I thought it was silly, thinking that Chrysler would not go for it, but now I see I didn't have all the information and I guess it's possible that the tournaments leadership knew at the time Chrysler may not be returning.
Which brings me to the name of the event. It has always troubled me that the community and local media never seemed to truly embrace the changing names of the event (Greater Greensboro Open, Kmart Greater Greensboro Open Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic and Chrysler Classic of Greensboro). Green Coaters and Old Timers lead the way when it came to not calling the event by it's current name. "I know you don't call it that, but to me it's the GGO."
So, now the tournament seems to be looking for a new name. Why not just call it the Greater Greensboro Open until the 5 to 7 million dollar sponsor rolls into town. I know it does not speak to the regional market place the way "Carolina Classic" might, but let's face facts-with two games in town-how well is that really going to work?
Just think of the smiles on the faces of the Green Coat Club when they are told that their tournament is once again called the GGO. Mayor Holliday for one has always, with apologies, called it the GGO. I feel that this would allow the tournament to come full circle and perhaps become, once again, accepted by the community.
I've been following all the recent changes to the tournament held in Greensboro since 1938 and I've heard the news that Chrysler may not be returning as the event's title sponsor.( I would first like to thank them for the eleven great years.)
Back in September when the Jaycees announced that they would be giving up control of the tournament, I over heard one of the newly appointed foundation board members say that we should change the name of the event to the "Carolina Classic of Greensboro" and I later saw this same comment in print. At the time I thought it was silly, thinking that Chrysler would not go for it, but now I see I didn't have all the information and I guess it's possible that the tournaments leadership knew at the time Chrysler may not be returning.
Which brings me to the name of the event. It has always troubled me that the community and local media never seemed to truly embrace the changing names of the event (Greater Greensboro Open, Kmart Greater Greensboro Open Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic and Chrysler Classic of Greensboro). Green Coaters and Old Timers lead the way when it came to not calling the event by it's current name. "I know you don't call it that, but to me it's the GGO."
So, now the tournament seems to be looking for a new name. Why not just call it the Greater Greensboro Open until the 5 to 7 million dollar sponsor rolls into town. I know it does not speak to the regional market place the way "Carolina Classic" might, but let's face facts-with two games in town-how well is that really going to work?
Just think of the smiles on the faces of the Green Coat Club when they are told that their tournament is once again called the GGO. Mayor Holliday for one has always, with apologies, called it the GGO. I feel that this would allow the tournament to come full circle and perhaps become, once again, accepted by the community.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
More Great Comments
"Hi, Randy.
Thank you for the information. In this age of corporate sponsorships in which most tournaments have lost their identity, I was afraid Greensboro might have been compromised. I started watching golf back in the late '70s and remember when the GGO was the tune up event for the Masters. Players even noted there were similarities between Forest Oaks and Augusta National, notably the rolling contours and the shapes of the greens.
I was concerned when the tournament had been shifted drastically to the fall and late in the schedule among the second-tier tournaments in the so-called "Fall Finish", it might have been the "kiss of death." I cite as precedent the former Michelob Championships at Kingsmill in Williamsburg, VA (formerly the Anherser Busch since 1976 and originally the Kaiser International Open in 1968 which was played in Napa, CA, until moving to Williamsburg in 1981), that was played in mid July until around 2000 when it moved to a late fall date, but then was dropped after the 2002 season. (A reincarnated version, the Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill, was added to the LPGA the next season but has disappeared from the radar.) I was heartened, however, to see the shift back to a place of prominence in leading up to the Tour Championship.
On an aside, professional golf does a good job of preserving the history of its famous players; unfortunately, it has done very little to preserve the history of tournaments. Beyond the obvious change in names from corporate sponsors, the shift to different venues, notably "stadium golf courses", has changed the character of the events. The former Kemper Open (now the Booz Allen Classic) was played for years at the venerable Congressional CC and gained prominence when Arnold Palmer won the inaugural event in 1968. The move to the TPC at Avenel in 1987 completely morphed the tournament.
I appreciate the fine line Tim Finchem walks and like what he has been doing to break the season into different segments to maintain fan and media interest, but I hope we don't lose any of the few remaining old-time events (Texas Open, Hartford Classic) in the process. BTW, I live just north of Pittsburgh and we have been lucky enough to land the 84 Lumber Classic in recent years. Hopefully, my son will still be going to this tournament when he reaches my age.
Regards,
Bruce"
Bruce,
Thanks for the great note and thanks again for reading my blog. It's great to have a true fan enjoying this site. Please keep reading and sending in those wonderful comments.
Randy Harris
ggoblogger
Thank you for the information. In this age of corporate sponsorships in which most tournaments have lost their identity, I was afraid Greensboro might have been compromised. I started watching golf back in the late '70s and remember when the GGO was the tune up event for the Masters. Players even noted there were similarities between Forest Oaks and Augusta National, notably the rolling contours and the shapes of the greens.
I was concerned when the tournament had been shifted drastically to the fall and late in the schedule among the second-tier tournaments in the so-called "Fall Finish", it might have been the "kiss of death." I cite as precedent the former Michelob Championships at Kingsmill in Williamsburg, VA (formerly the Anherser Busch since 1976 and originally the Kaiser International Open in 1968 which was played in Napa, CA, until moving to Williamsburg in 1981), that was played in mid July until around 2000 when it moved to a late fall date, but then was dropped after the 2002 season. (A reincarnated version, the Michelob Light Open at Kingsmill, was added to the LPGA the next season but has disappeared from the radar.) I was heartened, however, to see the shift back to a place of prominence in leading up to the Tour Championship.
On an aside, professional golf does a good job of preserving the history of its famous players; unfortunately, it has done very little to preserve the history of tournaments. Beyond the obvious change in names from corporate sponsors, the shift to different venues, notably "stadium golf courses", has changed the character of the events. The former Kemper Open (now the Booz Allen Classic) was played for years at the venerable Congressional CC and gained prominence when Arnold Palmer won the inaugural event in 1968. The move to the TPC at Avenel in 1987 completely morphed the tournament.
I appreciate the fine line Tim Finchem walks and like what he has been doing to break the season into different segments to maintain fan and media interest, but I hope we don't lose any of the few remaining old-time events (Texas Open, Hartford Classic) in the process. BTW, I live just north of Pittsburgh and we have been lucky enough to land the 84 Lumber Classic in recent years. Hopefully, my son will still be going to this tournament when he reaches my age.
Regards,
Bruce"
Bruce,
Thanks for the great note and thanks again for reading my blog. It's great to have a true fan enjoying this site. Please keep reading and sending in those wonderful comments.
Randy Harris
ggoblogger
Press Release
PGA TOUR Announces 2007 FedEx Cup Schedule
Emphasizes Strength of Tournaments, Sponsors, Geographic Flow
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - The PGA TOUR has announced the inaugural FedEx Cup schedule for 2007, which features a strong sequencing of tournaments leading into the conclusive four-event Championship Series.
"A significant amount of time and effort went into the development of the FedEx Cup schedule to maximize the strength of our tournaments, sponsors and venues, while providing a logical flow geographically," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said.
"We are excited about the fact that the FedEx Cup season will feature a strong and regular spacing of significant opportunities for the world’s best players to compete against one another," Finchem said. "The major championships, THE PLAYERS Championship, the World Golf Championships and the season-ending, four-event Championship Series will create and hold fan interest throughout the FedEx Cup season.
"The new schedule will benefit the TOUR as a whole and each event individually, while enhancing our opportunity to promote the entire season with our three long-term broadcast partners: CBS, NBC and The Golf Channel. We couldn’t be more pleased with the flow and impact of this new schedule," Finchem added.
The schedule announcement follows the TOUR’s release Wednesday of a streamlined television package that makes CBS and NBC the network partners for six years and The Golf Channel the exclusive cable network provider for the TOUR through an unprecedented 15-year agreement. The full list of tournaments and their broadcast carrier follows.
The new FedEx Cup competition, a dramatic season-long points bonus program for players spanning 37 weeks, begins with the Mercedes Championships in Hawaii (Jan. 4-7) and concludes Sept. 13-16 with THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
The Championship Series, which focuses on the final push for the FedEx Cup title, will begin with the Barclays Classic in New York Aug. 23-26, followed by the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston Aug. 31-Sept. 3 and then the Championship Series/Chicago Sept. 6-9, before concluding at THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. More specifics on the Championship Series will be given at a later date.
Other significant changes include:
A reorganized sequence through Florida that adds the Tampa Bay Championship (March 8-11) and the newly announced World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral Resort & Spa (March 22-25)
THE PLAYERS Championship moving from March to May 10-13, followed by the BellSouth Classic, which switches from late March to May 17-20
The Shell Houston Open changing from late April to March 29-April 1
The 84 LUMBER Classic’s move from the fall to June 21-24, one week after the U.S. Open
The Bell Canadian Open moving from September to July 26-29
The Carolina Classic at Greensboro switching from October to August 16-19 to become the final FedEx Cup qualifying tournament before the Championship Series
The TOUR will continue to schedule a second event opposite certain championships. Finchem today confirmed that the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee will play opposite the British Open (July 19-22) and that the new Mayakoba Classic at the Mayakoba Resort on the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico, will be held opposite the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship (Feb. 22-25). It becomes the TOUR’s first official money event in Mexico. (A release on the new Mayakoba Classic will be issued separately). Finchem added that Reno-Tahoe is also under consideration for an opposite event.
Once the FedEx Cup season concludes with THE TOUR Championship Presented by Coca-Cola, the PGA TOUR will enter the Fall Series, featuring six to seven official money tournaments that will determine the remainder of the 125 players eligible for the next year’s FedEx Cup. The entire series will be telecast on The Golf Channel.
Finchem said the Fall Series has yet to be finalized, but that the TOUR was in discussion with the following events concerning the Fall Series: Valero Texas Open in San Antonio; FUNAI Classic at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort in Orlando, FL; Southern Farm Bureau Classic in Madison, MS; Booz Allen Classic in Washington, D.C.; Hartford, CT; and Las Vegas.
In regard to the B.C. Open in Endicott, NY, Finchem said, "We are looking for a position elsewhere within the PGA TOUR family for its continuation, either on the Champions Tour or Nationwide Tour. We believe it could perform well on either Tour."
Additional details on The Championship Series, the Fall Series and the remaining opposite events will be provided in the coming weeks.
A Summary of the FedEx Cup Tournaments:
Mercedes Championships - Leads off FedEx Cup season in Hawaii with elite field of year’s past winners. Shifts to The Golf Channel for four rounds of primetime coverage; part of Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Aloha Season.
Sony Open in Hawaii - Second of three straight full coverage events for The Golf Channel, also airs in primetime. Typically strong field should be enhanced by FedEx Cup incentive and improvements to the golf course.
Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - Popular pro-am event moves to all five rounds on The Golf Channel. New Classic Club at Northstar serving as host site, strengthening four-course rotation.
Buick Invitational - Traditionally strong field at Torrey Pines, keeps same date on CBS, played in the open week prior to NFL’s Super Bowl.
FBR Open - Moves from CBS to NBC for 2007, remaining in popular Super Bowl weekend date. One of most well attended sporting events in world, annually attracting 500,000 fans on site.
AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am - Maintains traditionally strong date on CBS. This marquee pro-am enables Monterey Peninsula Foundation to remain a leader in annual charitable donations.
Nissan Open - Returns to CBS for first time since 2003, leading into WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Historic Riviera CC one of favorite courses on TOUR.
WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship - Season’s first World Golf Championships event kicks off six straight weeks of NBC coverage. Five-day event features 64 top-ranked players in world playing single elimination match play format.
The Honda Classic - Replaces Doral as first event of NBC Southern Swing, expected to have positive impact on field strength.
Tampa Bay - Shifts from October to become second event in Florida swing. Played at highly regarded Copperhead Course at Westin Innisbrook Resort, which has attracted top-5 field on TOUR as fall event and should perform strongly in spring date.
Bay Hill Invitational Presented by MasterCard - Popular event hosted by Arnold Palmer maintains traditional slot on schedule. Now leads into newly positioned WGC event.
WGC-CA Championship - Repositioned event at Doral takes over THE PLAYERS Championship’s longstanding slot, anchoring Florida swing. CA becomes title sponsor at popular Doral Blue Course; replaces AmEx Championship as WGC event. It maintains format of approximately 72 top-ranked players off Official World Golf Rankings and money lists of the member Tours of the International Federation of PGA Tours in 72-hole stroke play with no cut.
New to NBC schedule.
Shell Houston Open - Moving one month earlier should provide better weather and firmer, faster course conditions. Switches from CBS to become final event of NBC’s six-week stretch and lead-in to Masters Tournament.
MCI Heritage - Maintains customary position following Masters, second of CBS’s five-week stretch of telecasts. Harbour Town Golf Links among TOUR players’ favorite courses.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans - Continues on CBS in mid-April. Details for 2007 will develop as New Orleans recovers from impact of Hurricane Katrina.
EDS Byron Nelson Championship - TOUR’s all-time top charity donor remains on CBS but moves two weeks earlier in schedule. Honors one of golf’s greatest players and gentlemen.
Wachovia Championship - In just three years, has become a premier event on TOUR. Becomes lead-in to THE PLAYERS Championship, further strengthening position. Anchors stretch of five straight CBS telecasts.
THE PLAYERS Championship - Moves from late March to second weekend in May, continues on NBC. Debuts significant renovations at TPC at Sawgrass, including new clubhouse, fan enhancements and state-of-art drainage that assures consistent firm/fast conditions. New broadcast format will feature limited commercial interruptions.
BellSouth Classic - Moves from early April on NBC to mid-May, kicking off four-week stretch of events on CBS. By playing month later, will benefit from improved weather.
The Colonial Invitational - Great tradition, longest-running host course on PGA TOUR (since 1946). Maintains same position on schedule on CBS.
the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley - Jack Nicklaus-hosted invitational remains in traditional slot two weeks prior to U.S. Open on CBS.
Stanford St. Jude Championship - New title sponsor in Stanford Financial Services, FedEx continues involvement as Presenting Sponsor. Remaining on CBS, will lead into U.S. Open.
84 Lumber Classic - Significant change, moving from fall to FedEx Cup schedule and from cable to CBS. Following NBC’s coverage of U.S. Open, kicks off 10 straight weeks of CBS coverage. Several years of course improvements already has improved stature among players.
Buick Open - Continues on CBS, but moves from early August to late June. Buick is longest running title sponsor on TOUR, dating back to 1958.
The INTERNATIONAL - Moves from early August to early July, remains on CBS. Change should reduce potential for storm interruptions. Continues unique Stableford points scoring system.
John Deere Classic - While remaining as early July lead-in to British Open, moves to CBS and will feature later air time. Continues to grow and generate significant money for charity.
U.S. Bank Championship at Milwaukee - All four rounds move to The Golf Channel as tournaments moves to same week as British Open.
Bell Canadian Open - Moves from September date and cable coverage to late July on CBS, week after British Open. Summer date will provide warmer weather and firmer, faster course conditions.
WGC-Bridgestone Invitational - Bridgestone begins title sponsorship in 2006, replacing NEC, but event continues at Firestone Country Club in Akron, OH. Weekend coverage remains on CBS. Now will lead into PGA Championship; one of the year’s strongest fields.
Carolina Classic at Greensboro (formerly known as the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro) - Moves from fall to become last FedEx Cup event prior to Championship Series; follows PGA Championship. Last week for players to qualify for Championship Series and improve seeding position.
Barclays Classic - First of four Championship Series events in FedEx Cup, moving from early June to late August; final telecast of season for CBS.
Deutsche Bank Championship - Maintains same slot on schedule, but becomes part of decisive Championship Series and first of three straight televised by NBC.
Championship Series/Chicago - Historic event moves from July to determine final 30 players competing for FedEx Cup.
THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola - Elite 30-player field culminates FedEx Cup season on NBC.
Emphasizes Strength of Tournaments, Sponsors, Geographic Flow
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - The PGA TOUR has announced the inaugural FedEx Cup schedule for 2007, which features a strong sequencing of tournaments leading into the conclusive four-event Championship Series.
"A significant amount of time and effort went into the development of the FedEx Cup schedule to maximize the strength of our tournaments, sponsors and venues, while providing a logical flow geographically," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said.
"We are excited about the fact that the FedEx Cup season will feature a strong and regular spacing of significant opportunities for the world’s best players to compete against one another," Finchem said. "The major championships, THE PLAYERS Championship, the World Golf Championships and the season-ending, four-event Championship Series will create and hold fan interest throughout the FedEx Cup season.
"The new schedule will benefit the TOUR as a whole and each event individually, while enhancing our opportunity to promote the entire season with our three long-term broadcast partners: CBS, NBC and The Golf Channel. We couldn’t be more pleased with the flow and impact of this new schedule," Finchem added.
The schedule announcement follows the TOUR’s release Wednesday of a streamlined television package that makes CBS and NBC the network partners for six years and The Golf Channel the exclusive cable network provider for the TOUR through an unprecedented 15-year agreement. The full list of tournaments and their broadcast carrier follows.
The new FedEx Cup competition, a dramatic season-long points bonus program for players spanning 37 weeks, begins with the Mercedes Championships in Hawaii (Jan. 4-7) and concludes Sept. 13-16 with THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
The Championship Series, which focuses on the final push for the FedEx Cup title, will begin with the Barclays Classic in New York Aug. 23-26, followed by the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston Aug. 31-Sept. 3 and then the Championship Series/Chicago Sept. 6-9, before concluding at THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. More specifics on the Championship Series will be given at a later date.
Other significant changes include:
A reorganized sequence through Florida that adds the Tampa Bay Championship (March 8-11) and the newly announced World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral Resort & Spa (March 22-25)
THE PLAYERS Championship moving from March to May 10-13, followed by the BellSouth Classic, which switches from late March to May 17-20
The Shell Houston Open changing from late April to March 29-April 1
The 84 LUMBER Classic’s move from the fall to June 21-24, one week after the U.S. Open
The Bell Canadian Open moving from September to July 26-29
The Carolina Classic at Greensboro switching from October to August 16-19 to become the final FedEx Cup qualifying tournament before the Championship Series
The TOUR will continue to schedule a second event opposite certain championships. Finchem today confirmed that the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee will play opposite the British Open (July 19-22) and that the new Mayakoba Classic at the Mayakoba Resort on the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico, will be held opposite the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship (Feb. 22-25). It becomes the TOUR’s first official money event in Mexico. (A release on the new Mayakoba Classic will be issued separately). Finchem added that Reno-Tahoe is also under consideration for an opposite event.
Once the FedEx Cup season concludes with THE TOUR Championship Presented by Coca-Cola, the PGA TOUR will enter the Fall Series, featuring six to seven official money tournaments that will determine the remainder of the 125 players eligible for the next year’s FedEx Cup. The entire series will be telecast on The Golf Channel.
Finchem said the Fall Series has yet to be finalized, but that the TOUR was in discussion with the following events concerning the Fall Series: Valero Texas Open in San Antonio; FUNAI Classic at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort in Orlando, FL; Southern Farm Bureau Classic in Madison, MS; Booz Allen Classic in Washington, D.C.; Hartford, CT; and Las Vegas.
In regard to the B.C. Open in Endicott, NY, Finchem said, "We are looking for a position elsewhere within the PGA TOUR family for its continuation, either on the Champions Tour or Nationwide Tour. We believe it could perform well on either Tour."
Additional details on The Championship Series, the Fall Series and the remaining opposite events will be provided in the coming weeks.
A Summary of the FedEx Cup Tournaments:
Mercedes Championships - Leads off FedEx Cup season in Hawaii with elite field of year’s past winners. Shifts to The Golf Channel for four rounds of primetime coverage; part of Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Aloha Season.
Sony Open in Hawaii - Second of three straight full coverage events for The Golf Channel, also airs in primetime. Typically strong field should be enhanced by FedEx Cup incentive and improvements to the golf course.
Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - Popular pro-am event moves to all five rounds on The Golf Channel. New Classic Club at Northstar serving as host site, strengthening four-course rotation.
Buick Invitational - Traditionally strong field at Torrey Pines, keeps same date on CBS, played in the open week prior to NFL’s Super Bowl.
FBR Open - Moves from CBS to NBC for 2007, remaining in popular Super Bowl weekend date. One of most well attended sporting events in world, annually attracting 500,000 fans on site.
AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am - Maintains traditionally strong date on CBS. This marquee pro-am enables Monterey Peninsula Foundation to remain a leader in annual charitable donations.
Nissan Open - Returns to CBS for first time since 2003, leading into WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Historic Riviera CC one of favorite courses on TOUR.
WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship - Season’s first World Golf Championships event kicks off six straight weeks of NBC coverage. Five-day event features 64 top-ranked players in world playing single elimination match play format.
The Honda Classic - Replaces Doral as first event of NBC Southern Swing, expected to have positive impact on field strength.
Tampa Bay - Shifts from October to become second event in Florida swing. Played at highly regarded Copperhead Course at Westin Innisbrook Resort, which has attracted top-5 field on TOUR as fall event and should perform strongly in spring date.
Bay Hill Invitational Presented by MasterCard - Popular event hosted by Arnold Palmer maintains traditional slot on schedule. Now leads into newly positioned WGC event.
WGC-CA Championship - Repositioned event at Doral takes over THE PLAYERS Championship’s longstanding slot, anchoring Florida swing. CA becomes title sponsor at popular Doral Blue Course; replaces AmEx Championship as WGC event. It maintains format of approximately 72 top-ranked players off Official World Golf Rankings and money lists of the member Tours of the International Federation of PGA Tours in 72-hole stroke play with no cut.
New to NBC schedule.
Shell Houston Open - Moving one month earlier should provide better weather and firmer, faster course conditions. Switches from CBS to become final event of NBC’s six-week stretch and lead-in to Masters Tournament.
MCI Heritage - Maintains customary position following Masters, second of CBS’s five-week stretch of telecasts. Harbour Town Golf Links among TOUR players’ favorite courses.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans - Continues on CBS in mid-April. Details for 2007 will develop as New Orleans recovers from impact of Hurricane Katrina.
EDS Byron Nelson Championship - TOUR’s all-time top charity donor remains on CBS but moves two weeks earlier in schedule. Honors one of golf’s greatest players and gentlemen.
Wachovia Championship - In just three years, has become a premier event on TOUR. Becomes lead-in to THE PLAYERS Championship, further strengthening position. Anchors stretch of five straight CBS telecasts.
THE PLAYERS Championship - Moves from late March to second weekend in May, continues on NBC. Debuts significant renovations at TPC at Sawgrass, including new clubhouse, fan enhancements and state-of-art drainage that assures consistent firm/fast conditions. New broadcast format will feature limited commercial interruptions.
BellSouth Classic - Moves from early April on NBC to mid-May, kicking off four-week stretch of events on CBS. By playing month later, will benefit from improved weather.
The Colonial Invitational - Great tradition, longest-running host course on PGA TOUR (since 1946). Maintains same position on schedule on CBS.
the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley - Jack Nicklaus-hosted invitational remains in traditional slot two weeks prior to U.S. Open on CBS.
Stanford St. Jude Championship - New title sponsor in Stanford Financial Services, FedEx continues involvement as Presenting Sponsor. Remaining on CBS, will lead into U.S. Open.
84 Lumber Classic - Significant change, moving from fall to FedEx Cup schedule and from cable to CBS. Following NBC’s coverage of U.S. Open, kicks off 10 straight weeks of CBS coverage. Several years of course improvements already has improved stature among players.
Buick Open - Continues on CBS, but moves from early August to late June. Buick is longest running title sponsor on TOUR, dating back to 1958.
The INTERNATIONAL - Moves from early August to early July, remains on CBS. Change should reduce potential for storm interruptions. Continues unique Stableford points scoring system.
John Deere Classic - While remaining as early July lead-in to British Open, moves to CBS and will feature later air time. Continues to grow and generate significant money for charity.
U.S. Bank Championship at Milwaukee - All four rounds move to The Golf Channel as tournaments moves to same week as British Open.
Bell Canadian Open - Moves from September date and cable coverage to late July on CBS, week after British Open. Summer date will provide warmer weather and firmer, faster course conditions.
WGC-Bridgestone Invitational - Bridgestone begins title sponsorship in 2006, replacing NEC, but event continues at Firestone Country Club in Akron, OH. Weekend coverage remains on CBS. Now will lead into PGA Championship; one of the year’s strongest fields.
Carolina Classic at Greensboro (formerly known as the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro) - Moves from fall to become last FedEx Cup event prior to Championship Series; follows PGA Championship. Last week for players to qualify for Championship Series and improve seeding position.
Barclays Classic - First of four Championship Series events in FedEx Cup, moving from early June to late August; final telecast of season for CBS.
Deutsche Bank Championship - Maintains same slot on schedule, but becomes part of decisive Championship Series and first of three straight televised by NBC.
Championship Series/Chicago - Historic event moves from July to determine final 30 players competing for FedEx Cup.
THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola - Elite 30-player field culminates FedEx Cup season on NBC.
Ed Hardin Explains How Justin Conrad Saved the Carolina Classic at Greensboro
"There's always been a tournament here,'' said Conrad, the 2005 tournament chairman and the man who had to go to the organizing body and convince it to surrender its traditional role. "I cannot imagine Greensboro without a tournament. I don't think the community could afford not to have the tournament."
This excerpt was taken from article by Ed Hardin: Golf tourney disaster averted
Comment of the Week
"Randy:
As an avid golf history reader and hacker (24-handicap), I was curious to know what the tournament trophy name was?
I would strongly advocate that the trophy include Sam Snead's name since he won the event eight times - a dominance that no other tournament has witnessed.
BTW, my grandfather used to teach at Guilford College and the two highlights of my summers were visiting the battlefield and taking in a Hornets minor league baseball game.
Regards,
Bruce"
(I wrote back to Bruce to let him know that, in fact, the trophy is named after the Greater Greensboro Open's first and eight time champion. Snead was on hand to present it to the winner of the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic a number of times before his death.)
As an avid golf history reader and hacker (24-handicap), I was curious to know what the tournament trophy name was?
I would strongly advocate that the trophy include Sam Snead's name since he won the event eight times - a dominance that no other tournament has witnessed.
BTW, my grandfather used to teach at Guilford College and the two highlights of my summers were visiting the battlefield and taking in a Hornets minor league baseball game.
Regards,
Bruce"
(I wrote back to Bruce to let him know that, in fact, the trophy is named after the Greater Greensboro Open's first and eight time champion. Snead was on hand to present it to the winner of the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic a number of times before his death.)
Friday, January 13, 2006
Random Green Coater Thought of the Week
"The GGO will be held on Oct. 5, 2006. Between the tournament at Hertfordshire, England and the one in Las Vegas, NV. Good to have our GGO but between these distant events will trim our field.
That is one man's opinion. "
Mack Arnold
(1995 Greater Greensboro Open General Chairman)
That is one man's opinion. "
Mack Arnold
(1995 Greater Greensboro Open General Chairman)
WXII Channel 12 Site Reports CCG Will Move to August
"The Chrysler Classic of Greensboro will move to August starting with the 2007 PGA Tour schedule.
The event will be held Aug. 13-19 and be part of the tour's new FedEx Cup. The cup is billed by the PGA as a "season-long points bonus program for players." Tournaments will lead into a conclusive four-event Championship Series.
The CCG will be the final tournament heading into the series."
This excerpt is from the fllowing link. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.wxii12.com/sports/6062209/detail.html
The event will be held Aug. 13-19 and be part of the tour's new FedEx Cup. The cup is billed by the PGA as a "season-long points bonus program for players." Tournaments will lead into a conclusive four-event Championship Series.
The CCG will be the final tournament heading into the series."
This excerpt is from the fllowing link. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.wxii12.com/sports/6062209/detail.html
Fox 8 WGHP Reports on CCG Name Change
"CCG changes names again, gets a big boost from PGA"
"The Chrysler Classic of Greensboro gets another name change, and likely a position on the PGA schedule that will draw a strong field to Greensboro beginning in 2007. The tournament's fall date moves to one week after the PGA Championship, and it will be the final qualifying event for a new FedEx Cup point system that will lead up to the Tour Championship. The tournament will now be called The Carolina Classic of Greensboro. "
This excerpt was taken from the following site. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.fox8wghp.com/news/
"The Chrysler Classic of Greensboro gets another name change, and likely a position on the PGA schedule that will draw a strong field to Greensboro beginning in 2007. The tournament's fall date moves to one week after the PGA Championship, and it will be the final qualifying event for a new FedEx Cup point system that will lead up to the Tour Championship. The tournament will now be called The Carolina Classic of Greensboro. "
This excerpt was taken from the following site. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.fox8wghp.com/news/
WFMY Web Page Reports the without Sponsor Event Will Be Called "Carolina Classic at Greensboro"
"Greensboro, NC -- The future of Greensboro's professional golf tournament has been uncertain.
But on Friday, organizers announced positive changes for the tournament.Tournament director Mark Brazil says they will be part of the Fed-Ex cup series.Their date on the PGA tour from 2007 to 2010 will be the third week of August, right after the PGA championship and right before the final four events of the race.
Chrysler's sponsorship of the tournament is still up in the air at this point.However organizers should know for sure within the next two weeks whether the tournament's traditional sponsor will be on board.But you can still call the event the "CCG," since the working title is the Carolina Classic at Greensboro."
This excerpt was taken from the following site. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.wfmy.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=55275
But on Friday, organizers announced positive changes for the tournament.Tournament director Mark Brazil says they will be part of the Fed-Ex cup series.Their date on the PGA tour from 2007 to 2010 will be the third week of August, right after the PGA championship and right before the final four events of the race.
Chrysler's sponsorship of the tournament is still up in the air at this point.However organizers should know for sure within the next two weeks whether the tournament's traditional sponsor will be on board.But you can still call the event the "CCG," since the working title is the Carolina Classic at Greensboro."
This excerpt was taken from the following site. To read the entire article go to:
http://www.wfmy.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=55275
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Lisa, Hersul and Judy
This is a rare photo of Lisa and Hersul on the other side of the lens. Here they are seen with 2003 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro General Chairman Judy Revels at the 2003 CCG Big Fat Gala. Not only did Hersul and Lisa photograph the tournament for a couple of decades, but they are both Life Members of the Greensboro Jaycees.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
2003 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro Bumper Sticker
Bumper stickers like this one were seen all over the area promoting the new date for the newly named Chrysler Classic of Greensboro played for the first time on the recently redesigned Forest Oaks Country Club on October 13-19, 2003.
Monday, January 09, 2006
1995 Greensboro Jaycee President Stew Mones
1995 Greensboro Jaycee President Stew Mones with girls from Hooters.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
2001 Greensboro Jaycee Holiday Parade
Members of the 2002 Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic Executive Committee wave to the crowd as they roll down Greene Street during the 2001 Greensboro Jaycee Holiday Parade.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
1975 Greater Greensboro Open Hostess - Vickie Tunstall
Gate has Nikki Cox, the ggoblogger has GGO Hostess Vickie Tunstall.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Stanley Frank Receives an Honorary Life Membership
2003 Greensboro Jaycee President James Latta presents Stanley Frank with an Honorary Life Membership to the Greensboro Jaycees at the 2003 Green Coat Club Breakfast.
Stanley Frank
Stanley Frank steps to the front of the room at the 2003 Green Coat Club Breakfast to accept an award from Greensboro Jaycee President James Latta.
Stanley Frank with Judy Revels
Stanley Frank sits with 2003 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro General Chairman moments after the 2003 Green Coat Club Breakfast.
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