Grammy-award winning jazz saxophonist cites lack of preparation time, but will still participate in celebrity tournament and other related events; 2005 California State Open Eric Meichtry will replace him in the field
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Grammy-award winning saxophonist and golf fanatic Kenny G, a sponsors’ exemption who has been a regular participant in recent years at the Mark Christopher Charity Classic, presented by the County of San Bernardino, withdrew from this year’s tournament. Replacing him in the field is Eric Meichtry, last year’s California State Open championship.
Known to his family and friends as Kenny Gorelick, the musician expressed regret at not being able to compete in the Nationwide Tour event. He will, however, still play in the Eric Dickerson Celebrity Challenge, presented by Time Warner Cable on Sept. 30.
"Unfortunately, with my busy schedule, I haven’t had the time to dedicate to my game that I would like," Gorelick said. "Given the current state of my game, I’d hate to spoil the experience for all the players on the Nationwide Tour who work so hard all year and for who this is their livelihood."
The Mark Christopher Charity Classic, presented by The County of San Bernardino is a 72-hole Nationwide Tour event that sports a $500,000 purse, a $25,000 increase from 2005. Last year’s field included a former major champion, three former Ryder Cup players, two of the top three and 13 of the top 20 money winners on the Nationwide Tour.
Tournament events and activities will span 11 days from Sept. 29 – Oct. 9, 2006 at the beautiful Arnold Palmer-designed Empire Lakes Golf Course in Rancho Cucamonga.
Meichtry, a Murrieta resident, is the defending California State Open champion and was the leading money winner on the Golden State Tour in 2005. An exciting young player hoping to break onto the PGA TOUR, Meichtry averages nearly 300 yards off the tee and has birdied more than 15 percent of his holes this season. Through 11 events this season, he was second on the Golden State Tour money list with $13,447 in earnings.
"We’re disappointed that Kenny G won’t be able to compete this year, but we’re pleased that he has agreed to still be involved in the festivities surrounding the event," said Stephen Wagner, the tournament’s executive director. "And we’re thrilled to have a golfer the caliber of Eric Meichtry, especially with his local ties, to replace him."
Tickets and sponsorships to the 2006 Mark Christopher Charity Classic, presented by The County of San Bernardino are available by calling (909) 948-5565 or by e-mail at mccclassic@aol.com.
About Mark Christopher Auto Center
In 2004 and 2005, the Mark Christopher Auto Center was the No. 1 Hummer dealer in the nation and the No. 4 Chevrolet dealer in California as ranked by sales. The Center has won the Jack Smith Leadership Award for five straight years, emblematic of superior Parts and Service performance among Chevrolet dealers.
For more information about Mark Christopher Auto Center, please see www.markchristopher.com.
About the County of San Bernardino
Located at the heart of Southern California, one of the world’s most lucrative economies, the County of San Bernardino is the largest county in the contiguous United States. Its vast borders stretch from the greater Los Angeles area to the Nevada border and the Colorado River, encompassing a total area of the 20,105 square miles. Comprised of 24 cities, the County of San Bernardino is the fifth fastest growing county in the nation with almost 2,000,000 residents. Its assets include numerous colleges and universities supporting a strong, diverse workforce along with an unparalleled collection of highways, runways and railways that lead to regional, national and international business centers. The County also benefits from natural assets such as Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks, rivers and local and regional parks.
Under the leadership of the County’s Economic Development Agency, four key departments are dedicated to providing programs, services and incentives to foster a competitive environment for businesses and maximize the standard of living for residents. The Economic Development Agency is committed to business-first programs in economic development including business attraction, retention and expansion, marketing job development and city-county collaboration. In all ways, the County is driven to provide the foundation that creates greater opportunity for residents and businesses. Fore more information, visit www.opportunityca.us.
About Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is a comprehensive pediatric hospital just for kids, operating the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the Inland Empire. In addition to doctors, Children’s Hospital has more than 1,200 nurses, child life specialists and other staff who are dedicated to the health and healing of children. Together, they provide a family-focused environment backed by state-of-the-art care.
Contact:
Brian Robin
Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.
(818) 344-6195 ext.110