PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Padraig Harrington continue the year’s trend of first-time major champions who have each earned berths in the most exclusive tournament in the world. Harrington became the third first-time entrant into the season-ending showcase of major Champions, the 25th PGA Grand Slam of Golf, to be hosted, Oct. 15-17, in Bermuda at the Mid Ocean Club.
In becoming the first European player to capture a major championship since Scotland’s Paul Lawrie won the 1999 British Open on the same Carnoustie course, Ireland’s Harrington joins fellow first-time entrants Masters Champion Zach Johnson of the United States and U.S. Open Champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina in a select foursome that also features an international flavor. The PGA Grand Slam of Golf foursome will be filled out by the winner of the PGA Championship in the 36-hole event broadcast by TNT to an audience of 89 million U.S. homes, along with an international audience of more than 100 countries in a prime-time telecast.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf purse is $1.35 million, with the winner receiving $600,000; second place $300,000; third place $250,000; and fourth place $200,000.
Harrington’s dramatic, four-hole playoff victory over Sergio Garcia leaves one remaining berth in the 25th PGA Grand Slam of Golf. That will be determined, Aug. 9-12, at the 89th PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.
Should a player win more than one major Championship this season, the foursome will be completed through the Major Champions Points List composed of past major Champions who compete in the current year’s majors.
Tickets for the 25th PGA Grand Slam of Golf may be purchased by calling either 800-PGA-GOLF (800-742-4653) or (561) 624-7601, as well as by visiting www.PGA.com. A limited amount of tickets are available to witness golf’s major Champions compete for the title Champion of Champions.
PGA Grand Slam Week begins Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, with the Pro-Am featuring amateur groups composed of Officials, VIPs and guests of The PGA of America, TNT and Bermuda, who play alongside the major Champions. Cameras and autographs are only allowed on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 16-17, are the competition days, where the limited gallery will experience the major Champions up close, as "inside-the-fairway" access will be enjoyed by all spectators.
Season tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 15-17, are available for $150, and come in the form of three individual day tickets. Daily tickets for individual attendance are available for $50 on Monday for the Champions Clinic and Pro-Am; and $75 each day for the Tuesday and Wednesday competition days. All tickets include a sleeve and lanyard that must be utilized for clearly displaying tickets at all times while on property at the Mid Ocean Club.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf
Established in 1979, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf has grown from an 18- hole, single-day charity event to a 36-hole annual showdown that matches professional golf’s best against each other for a $1.35 million purse. Past Champions include defending champion Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Tom Lehman, Ben Crenshaw, Greg Norman, Nick Price and Ian Woosnam.
The 25th PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Mid Ocean Club and the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.
The PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world- class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
The PGA of America also conducts four professional golf events: the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship and PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Contact:
Julius Mason
561/624-8444
jmason@pgahq.com
Brian Robin
Brener Zwikel & Assoc.
brianr@bzapr.com
