Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational to feature community clinics, Celebrity-Ams, 27-hole tournament and live entertainment
BOLINGBROOK, Ill., July 25, 2006 – Some of the greatest names in sports, television, film and music are gearing up for the 2006 Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational, the exclusive Chicago stop on the Celebrity Players Tour circuit and one of the Midwest’s premier celebrity golf events. The tournament, one of 10 competitions on the Celebrity Players Tour featuring events nationwide from April to September, returns to Chicago’s western suburbs Aug. 14-16 at the nationally acclaimed Bolingbrook Golf Club.
This year not only marks the Celebrity Players Tour 10th anniversary but also the fourth consecutive time that Bolingbrook Golf Club will serve as home to the Dreesen tournament. With less than a month to the main event, the club is preparing to showcase a star-laden lineup of golfers (see below), including Major League Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, Super Bowl champion quarterback Jim McMahon, National Hockey League Hall of Famer Stan Mikita, Grammy award-winning singer Smokey Robinson and television host Maury Povich, among many others.
"We’re thrilled to bring this event back to Bolingbrook," said event host and longtime comedian, Tom Dreesen, a Harvey, Ill., native. "Together, the Village of Bolingbrook, corporate sponsors and local fans have made this a truly memorable week for the Tour players, and we look forward to bringing first-rate entertainment – both on and off the course – to the Chicagoland area next month."
Tournament sponsors include the Village of Bolingbrook, Harrah’s Joliet Casino, Southern Wine & Spirits, Bannockburn Travel and Great Steaks.
On Sunday, Aug. 13 from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Bolingbrook Golf Club welcomes fans of all ages to kick off the Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational at an All-Star Celebrity Clinic, during which many of the participating stars will showcase their respective skills in baseball, football, basketball, hockey and theatre while interacting with attendees. The first 500 children will receive a free souvenir card. Celebrity Pro-Ams will take place on Monday, Aug. 14 and Tuesday Aug. 15, followed by the official 27-hole competition on Wednesday, Aug. 16. The public is welcome to follow the tournament action on Wednesday. Tickets are $10. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Will County.
Foursome packages for the Celebrity Pro-Ams are available and include variations of the following: round of golf with celebrity; tickets to Monday night Celebrity Kickoff Party; tickets to Tuesday night Celebrity Gala; lunch and drinks; gift bags; annual membership to Bolingbrook Golf Club and more. To participate in the Celebrity Pro-Ams or purchase tickets, contact Michele Gavaghan at Bolingbrook Golf Club at 630.771.9400 or mgavaghan@kempersports.com.
About the Celebrity Players Tour
The Celebrity Players Tour (CPT) is the premier corporate hospitality and entertainment golf tour, providing a competitive format for athletes, entertainers and other celebrities in an arena that differs from the field in which they became famous. Tour events are held at first-class golf course venues and feature high-profile celebrity athletes and entertainers from today and yesteryear, while providing millions of dollars for charity and a wonderful setting to entertain corporate guests who participate in the pro-ams and gala parties. For more information, visit http://www.cptgolf.com.
About Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolingbrook Golf Club, designed by noted architect Arthur Hills, is an upscale, 18-hole championship golf course owned by the Village of Bolingbrook and operated by KemperSports Management. The 76,000-square-foot clubhouse features a state-of-the-art golf shop, casual and fine dining, corporate meeting spaces, banquet facilities, executive locker rooms, men’s and women’s lounges and a fitness facility. The Golf Academy at Bolingbrook Golf Club is the area’s premier practice center, offering a huge bent grass tee that accommodates 70 hitting stations, target greens, short game area and professional instruction. For more information, visit http://www.bolingbrookgolfclub.com.
Editor’s Note:
High-resolution photos of the Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational are available. Contact Kristin Schaner at 847.480.4850 or kschaner@kempersports.com.
Media members are welcome to attend all event festivities. Celebrity interview opportunities will take place on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 14 and 15. Contact Kristin Schaner regarding interview coordination and on-site needs.
Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational Lineup
August 14-16, 2006
Bobby Anderson Denver Broncos Running Back
Dick Anderson Miami Dolphins All-Pro Safety
Donny Anderson NFL Running Back
Johnny Bench MLB Hall of Fame Catcher
Kurt Bevacqua Baseball Major Leaguer
Kevin Butler NFL Kicker
Chris Chandler NFL Pro Bowl Quarterback
Steve Cochran WGN Radio Chicago Talk Show Host
Vince Coleman MLB All-Star Outfielder
John Congemi CFL Quarterback/NFL Color Analyst
Charlie Criss NBA Guard
Bobby Dernier MLB Center Fielder
Tom Dreesen Comedian
John Ebersole New York Jets Linebacker
Don Edwards NHL All-Star Goalie
Mike Eruzione 1980 Olympic Hockey Team Captain
Rollie Fingers Hall of Fame Pitcher
Doug Flynn Major League Second Baseman
Steve Gatlin Grammy Award Winner
Jim Hart NFL Pro Bowl Quarterback
Marshall Holman PBA Hall of Fame Bowler
Brian Kinchen NFL Tight End
Ed Marinaro Actor/NFL Running Back
Jim McMahon NFL Pro Bowl Quarterback
Stan Mikita NHL Hall of Fame Center
Bobby Murcer All-Star Outfielder
Bernie Nicholls All-Star NHL Center
Shane Rawley Major League Pitcher
Ken Reitz All-Star Third Baseman
Alfonso Ribeiro Actor
Cliff Richey Tennis Champion/Davis Cup MVP
Smokey Robinson Grammy Award Winner
Truck Robinson NBA All-Star Forward
Scott Sanderson MLB Pitcher
Greg Stefan NHL All-Star
Jan Stenerud Hall of Fame Kicker
Dale Tallon NHL All-Star/Chicago Blackhawks’ General Manager
Ralph Terry New York Yankees Pitcher
Mickey Tettleton MLB All-Star Catcher
Gorman Thomas All-Star Major Leaguer
Darren Veitch NHL Defenseman
Ed Westfall NHL All-Star Right Wing
Barry Williams Actor
Adrian Young Drummer for No Doubt
Expected to participate as of July 25, 2006.
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