Professional and Amateur Golfers Using Wilson Staff Golf Balls in Open Qualify for Top Prizes
CHICAGO – June 29, 2011 – Wilson Golf, the Chicago-based company with more Major victories (61) than any other golf club manufacturer, is proud to announce its Wilson Staff FG Tour Ball Pool as part of the 62nd Illinois Open Championship. As the presenting Gold Level equipment sponsor of the Illinois Open through 2013, Wilson Golf will be providing top dollar prizes for the top amateur and professional golf participants following the conclusion of the tournament.
Ball Pool entrants will be required to play Wilson Staff FG Tour balls during all three rounds of the Illinois Open competition. The top-ten Amateur golfers making the cut will be awarded a customized fitting with Wilson Staff equipment including: A complete set of Wilson Staff irons, a Wilson Staff driver and metal woods, Wilson Staff wedges, a Wilson Staff Golf Bag and a one year supply of Wilson Staff FG Tour or FG Tour X golf balls (12 dozen total). The top-five professional golfers making the cut will receive prize money. The first place professional will receive $2,000, second place $1,500, third place $750, fourth place $500 and fifth place $250.
“As a Chicago-based company and a presenting Gold Level equipment sponsor of the 62nd Illinois Open, Wilson Golf is excited to offer this unique opportunity for professional and amateur players in the Illinois PGA section to play a Wilson Staff product with an excellent incentive,” said Tim Clarke, general manager of Wilson Golf. “Wilson Golf produces high-performance golf equipment and our goal is to have it in the hands of the section’s best players at one of the most important section events of the year, right here in our own backyard.”
The 62nd Illinois Open Championship will be held July 25-27 at Hawthorn Woods (Ill.) Country Club. Administered by the Illinois PGA since 1950, the Illinois Open has historical roots dating back to 1922. The “state championship of golf” is a 54-hole competition contested over three days to determine the finest player in the state of Illinois. The tournament is open to professionals and amateurs with a handicap of 10 or less who reside within the state of Illinois.
“Wilson Golf is part of the foundation of golf history, not only globally, but in Illinois and Chicago particularly,” said Casey Brozek, president of the Illinois PGA. “As the long-time home town equipment manufacturer, Wilson Golf ‘s commitment to the Illinois PGA and the Illinois Open Championship with the Wilson Staff FG Tour Ball Pool is the perfect way to maximize their relationship with the IPGA.”
Illinois Open Championship qualifiers will Conclude on Thursday, June 30th at Effingham Country Club. The final field of exempt players and successful qualifiers will then be set. The field size is expected to top at 150 players.
To sign up for the Wilson Staff FG Tour Ball Pool, email Wilsongolf@wilson.com ATTN: Erik Ciotti. Entrants must include name, address, email, phone number, player status, ball preference and whether the applicant has already qualified for the Illinois Open or planning to qualify.
About Wilson Golf
For nearly a century, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world. Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 Major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history. Wilson Staff’s Di11 irons, D-FY combo set, FG Tour irons, Conform glove and the distance D:25 golf ball were honored with Golf Digest’s Hot List awards in 2010 and 2011. Wilson Staff, Profile, ProStaff and Hope consumer brands continue that tradition today by delivering the highest quality golf equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.
Wilson Golf is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sporting equipment by Amer Sports. Visit www.wilsonstaff.com or call 773.714.6400 for more information.
About the Illinois PGA
The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With over 861 members and apprentices, the Illinois PGA is the 12th largest of the 41 regional entities or “Sections” that comprise the PGA of America. For more information about the Illinois PGA, please visit www.ipga.com.
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