ATLANTA –The BellSouth Classic, which for the past several years has been slotted between The Players Championship and The Masters on the PGA TOUR calendar, has announced new dates for 2007. The long-time Atlanta event, now in its 38th year, will be played the week of May 14-20 at TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia. The last time the event was contested in May (1998) it was won by Tiger Woods. Numerous events will be moved in 2007 as part of the TOUR’s revamped schedule.
Tournament organizers have pushed the TOUR for later dates because of numerous weather challenges that have occurred in early April with significant regularity. Last year, the Thursday and Friday rounds were completely washed out, one of the few times that’s happened in TOUR history. During Saturday’s opening round, the weather included rain, sleet, snow and high winds. Ultimately the Classic was reduced to 54 holes and was won by Phil Mickelson on Monday in a five-man playoff.
"We are very pleased to move to these new dates," said Dave Kaplan Executive Director. "While the week before the Masters has had some positive aspects, we have fought weather related issues five of the seven years we have played in that slot.
"In May, the golf course will be in perfect condition and will play hard and fast as it was intended, and the weather will be warmer and more stable. We will also have daylight savings time. Given all of these factors, I believe our sponsors will have a better entertainment experience."
This year’s tournament will be played March 27-April 2. The event will offer a total purse of $5.3 million, up $300,000 from last year, with $954,000 earmarked for the winner.
Contact:
John Marshall
Marshall & Associates
(770) 436-2643
jmarsh4653@aol.com
Brent Fowler
BellSouth Corporation
(404) 249-2839
brent.fowler@bellsouth.com
