(JACKSON, Mississippi) – The PGA TOUR will continue its rich history with the state of Mississippi next year when the newly named True South Classic is played at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, July 16-22, as part of the chase for the FedEx Cup.
The new name is derived from the Mississippi slogan, “Find Your True South.” The True South Classic will be sponsored by a consortium of companies. The event first came to Mississippi back in 1968 as the Magnolia Classic. It has also been named the Southern Farm Bureau Classic, the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic and, most recently, the Viking Classic.
In addition, the PGA’s Champions Tour also makes a regular stop in the Magnolia State. For the third straight year, the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic will be held at highly acclaimed Fallen Oak – an amenity of Beau Rivage Casino Resort in Biloxi – on March 19-25, 2012.
“Mississippi is honored to once again partner with the PGA TOUR in 2012,” said Mississippi Development Authority Director of Tourism Mary Beth Wilkerson. “Hosting events like the True South Classic and the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic is a fantastic way to showcase our great state and all it has to offer to golf fans from across the world.”
The total purse for the True South Classic will be $3.7 million and it is scheduled to be televised worldwide on Golf Channel. Annandale Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus design that has received high praise from players, caddies and media since it began hosting the event in 1994.
Chris Kirk won the first-place check worth $640,000 in 2011. Other former winners at Annandale include the current No. 1-ranked golfer in the world, Luke Donald, as well as Fred Funk, Bill Haas and local favorite Heath Slocum.
For information on special stay-and-play package deals to Mississippi visit www.visitmississippi.org/golf.aspx or call toll-free 1-866-801-8551 to receive a free Golf Travel Guide and suggested play-and-stay itineraries.
About Mississippi Golf
Attractions contributing to Mississippi’s growing popularity as the preferred golf-and-travel destination include:
More than 170 courses offering a variety of price points and designs from world-class architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio
Year-round golf weather with temperate conditions throughout five distinct regions — The Hills, The Delta, The Capital/River, The Pines, The Coastal
Home to two annual PGA TOUR events: The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic of the Champions Tour, played at Fallen Oak (March 19-25, 2012) and the True South Classic of the PGA TOUR, played at Annandale Golf Club (July 16-22, 2012)
Third-largest gaming destination in North America, featuring exciting gaming, upscale shopping, live entertainment, luxurious spas and internationally acclaimed golf courses
Birthplace of Blues, rock ‘n roll and country music. Mississippi Blues Trail markers are placed at key sites throughout the state to honor blues musicians and give visitors insight into this special musical heritage
World-famous, authentic southern cuisine offering savory barbecue, fresh seafood and French-Cajun delicacies
A busy calendar of more than 400 unique events scheduled throughout the year
A host of non-golf activities including boating, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, biking, hunting, camping and more
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
