Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic will Benefit Habitat for Humanity;
Likely Draw Players Such as Fred Couples, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller,
Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and Many Others
(JACKSON, Mississippi) - The Mississippi Development Authority today
announces that a Champions TOUR event will be played on the Mississippi
Gulf Coast at Biloxi's Fallen Oak Golf Club, a Tom Fazio design and
amenity of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, rated one of the world's
greatest courses. The event, named the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic,
will primarily benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf
Coast and will be played April 26-May 2, 2010. The tournament would
bring 78 senior players, possibly including Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw,
Tom Kite, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller and other greats.
"The Gulf Coast Business Council has a vision of seeing the Mississippi
Gulf Coast become a Tier One tourism destination. Achievement of such
an ambitious goal requires that we have nationally recognized events
and attractions," explained Anthony Topazi, Chairman of the Gulf Coast
Business Council. "The PGA Champions Tour is a signature event for any
region of this country and is a significant step in becoming a Tier One
destination. This Tournament will showcase the Mississippi Gulf Coast's
premier golf, fishing, and resort amenities on a national and
world-wide basis."
A coalition of area businesses spearheaded by the Gulf Coast Business
Council secured the TOUR event by pledging the $2.5 million commitment
required by the PGA TOUR, which operates the Champions and Nationwide
tours under its umbrella. The Business Council estimates an economic
impact of $22 million.
"Hosting the Champions TOUR event on the Gulf Coast - in addition to
the PGA TOUR's Viking Classic which is held in Madison each fall -
underscores the high-quality of golf courses offered throughout our
great state," said D. Craig Ray, Mississippi Development Authority
Division of Tourism Director. "Mississippi is the nation's
third-largest gaming destination after Vegas and Atlantic City. We have
the hotels, resorts, condos, restaurants and other high-quality
attractions and visitor infrastructure which make us an ideal venue to
showcase the area and the game's great players."
The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic will be broadcast on the Golf
Channel, which reports reaching more than 160 million estimated
households globally.
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.
In addition to great courses and casino resorts, visitors to
Mississippi are 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, and its chefs
and 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.
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