(JACKSON, Mississippi) – The Viking Classic not only brought some of the biggest names on the PGA TOUR and as many as 50,000 golf fans to Annandale Golf Club in Madison, but, according to estimates, the event also had an economic impact of nearly $20 million on the state.
“We had a great field, perfect fall weather and a course that was in pristine condition,” said Viking Classic Tournament Director Randy Watkins. “We’re proud that we were able to showcase the great state of Mississippi to a large audience of golf fans, including both the in-person spectators as well as those that watched across the world on Golf Channel.”
In addition, more than $500,000 was raised for Mississippi charities, thanks to two sold-out cooking demonstrations that featuring title sponsor Viking Range of Greenwood and renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse.
Bill Haas prevailed inside the ropes, carding a 15-under-par 273 for his second victory of the year. The win earned the son of former Tour winner Jay Haas a $648,000 piece of the $3.6-million purse as well as a full Viking Range kitchen.
Haas’ triumph also came against what many are calling the most impressive field the event has ever drawn. Major championship winners John Daly, David Duval, Lee Janzen, Trevor Immelman, David Toms and Steve Elkington made the trip to the Magnolia State for the event, which was the first of the Tour’s 2010 Fall Series. Other notable players included Henrik Stenson, Rocco Mediate, Boo Weekley, Woody Austin, Chris DiMarco and former winners of the event, Chad Campbell and Heath Slocum.
The Viking Classic was the second professional golf event to come to Mississippi this season. Last spring, the PGA’s Champions Tour hosted its inaugural Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic at Fallen Oak in Biloxi. Both events are slated to return to Mississippi next year.
‘Golf for the Gulf’ $100 Award Cards Available Through November
Time is running out for golfers to take advantage of the “Golf for the Gulf” campaign that provides a $100 Visa Award Card to visitors for use in local restaurants when they book a three-night/three-rounds golf package in the months of October and November.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is known as the “Golf Coast” with 22 courses designed by the likes of Nicklaus, Palmer, Love III, Pate and McCumber. These courses are dotted along the 62 miles of coastline all along the Gulf of Mexico. Golf, combined with great seafood, casino resorts and the endless supply of Southern Hospitality, makes the “Golf Coast” one of the best golf destinations in the world.
For more information on the “Golf for Gulf” campaign, visit www.GolfCoast.com and for information about other packages available go to www.visitmississippi.org or call toll-free 1-866-801-8551 to receive a free Golf Travel Guide and suggested itineraries.
IP Casino Resort and Spa to Host World Series of Poker Circuit Events
The IP Casino Resort & Spa in Biloxi has been selected to host an event in the World Series of Poker’s new and improved circuit schedule.
The WSOP Circuit Tour, now in its seventh season, will include 14 stops across the country and for the first time will feature a cumulative rankings system as well as a season-ending $1 million National Championship tournament to be played at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in May of 2011.
The IP will host a schedule of events Oct. 28-Nov. 10 and is offering a special hotel rate of $55.99 on Sunday-Thursday and $95.99 on Friday and Saturday for WSOP participants if they use the hotel promo code “WSOP100.”
Registration for the event begins Oct. 28 and runs through Nov. 8. Registration and room reservations can be made online at www.ipbiloxi.com. The IP also offers special stay-and-play golf rates in conjunction with Shell Landing Golf Club (www.shelllanding.com), the highly acclaimed Davis Love III-design in nearby Gautier.
The circuit will also make a stop further north at Harrah’s Tunica Jan. 27-Feb. 15. For more information visit www.harrahstunica.com.
About Mississippi Golf:
Attractions contributing to Mississippi’s growing popularity as the preferred golf-and-travel destination include:
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, and luxurious 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
For more information visit www.visitmississippi.org or call toll-free 1-866-801-8551
Contact:
Gary Trask, 978.228.0314
Buffalo Communications
gtrask@billycaspergolf.com
Dan Shepherd, 703.891.3320
Buffalo Communications
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
