PGA TOUR’s Viking Classic Scheduled for Play Next Week in Madison; National Best-of Awards Garnered this Year Showcase the Magnolia State’s Rising Star
(JACKSON, Mississippi) – The Magnolia State first comes to many people’s awareness through grade-school spelling exercises – M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. Now, however, when people think of the state, particularly discerning travelers, G-O-L-F is often at the forefront.
Mississippi has established itself as the world’s best golf-and-gaming destination thanks to an abundance of highly decorated courses authored by some of the game’s greatest architects and an array of top-rated casino resorts.
While these assets entice visitors from around the globe, another great demonstration of Mississippi’s special golf-and-resort destination offerings comes from the PGA TOUR.
Many of the world’s best golfers will visit Mississippi next week to play in the PGA TOUR’s Viking Classic held at Jack Nicklaus-designed Annandale Country Club in Madison (Oct. 26-Nov. 1). Will MacKenzie is the defending champion and many other stars will also participate including David Toms, Rocco Mediate, Tim Clark, John Daly, Charles Howell III, Rich Beem, David Duval, Nick O’Hern, Vaughn Taylor, Alex Cjeka, and Mississippi native and 2009 FedEx Cup event winner Heath Slocum.
“This PGA TOUR event is, pardon the pun, ‘TaylorMade’ for Mississippi,” said D. Craig Ray, Mississippi Development Authority Division of Tourism Director. “The courses in our great state are consistently honored with ‘best-of’ awards including Annandale Country Club. The Viking Classic is an excellent way for us to showcase Mississippi through our courses and the game’s great players.”
Tournament coverage will be broadcast on the Golf Channel Thursday through Sunday (Oct. 29-Nov. 1).
In addition to great courses, Mississippi is home to an array of fine casino resorts, many with award-winning golf course amenities. So much so that the state is considered by discerning critics as the nation’s best golf resort-and-gaming destination in the world. Visitors are also enticed by the state’s many off-course attractions including the Blues Trail, five distinct regions ranging from the Delta to the Gulf Coast, its world-famous southern hospitality, its chefs and their gastronomic delights.
For more information about Mississippi call toll-free 866-801-8551, or go to www.visitmississippi.org and receive a free Golf Travel Guide, suggested play-and-stay itineraries and other attractions.
About Mississippi Golf
* Temperate year-round golf weather
* More than 145 courses that offer all price points and design varieties in five distinct regions
* World-famous gourmet cuisine, Blues Trail, the mighty Mississippi River, casino resorts offering marquee name entertainers and shows
* Family-themed attractions including parks, lakes, beaches and trails
* History and architecture, including stunning Antebellum Era mansions turned award-winning B&B venues
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, 703.891.3320
Buffalo Communications, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
