Professionals Using Wilson Staff Golf Balls in Open Qualify for Cash Incentives, Amateurs Eligible for Free Golf Balls
CHICAGO – June 30, 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 Golf Ball Bonus 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 offering incentives to professionals who put their new FG Tour and FG Tour X golf balls in play during the tournament.
Those professionals participating in the Golf Ball Bonus Pool will be required to play Wilson Staff FG Tour balls during all three rounds of the Illinois Open competition. Golf Ball Bonus Pool compensation will be determined by the five lowest tournament scores of eligible Golf Ball Bonus Pool participants. The highest finishing eligible Bonus Pool participant will receive $2,000. The second highest eligible finisher receives $1,500, the third highest eligible finisher $750, the fourth highest eligible finisher $500, and the fifth highest eligible finisher $250.
Wilson Golf will also provide complimentary FG Tour and FG Tour X golf balls to any amateur participant wishing to play the ball during the Open.
“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 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 30 at Effingham Country Club. The final field of exempt players and successful qualifiers will then be set. The field size is expected to be 156 players.
To sign up or to receive more information regarding the Wilson Staff FG Tour Ball Pool, email Wilsongolf@wilson.com ATTN: Erik Ciotti. Entrants must include name, address, email, phone number, player status (amateur or professional), and ball preference.
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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